Western Bay of Plenty mayor revealed

Western Bay mayoral contenders Garry Webber, Margaret Murray-Benge and Stephen Fawcett. Photos / File

Incumbent Western Bay of Plenty mayor Garry Webber will once more hold on to the district's mayoralty chains.

Provisional figures released this afternoon has shown Webber voted back into the position he had previously held after taking over from predecessor and former mayor Ross Paterson in 2016.

Garry Webber, pictured relaxing on Cameron Rd before election day. Photo / File

As of 1.40pm, 95 per cent of votes were counted, showing Webber receiving 5466 votes. Fellow mayoral contenders Margaret Murray-Benge received 4498 and Stephen Fawcett 1557.

Webber celebrated quietly with family at his and wife Carole's Ōmokoroa home and said it was a "great result".

"The public are saying they want more of the same - good strong financial management and good business acumen."

Webber said now the election was behind him, he and other elected members could get on with things.

This was Webber's third campaign in local body elections, and second for the mayoralty.

He said he had never encountered a campaign such as this year's and, at times, he was not sure what the result would be.

Webber, who has a 30-year background as senior executive in the dairy industry including seven years as chief executive of Alpine Dairy Products, said he ran for the role again because he truly believed he was the right person for the mayoralty.

Webber contested the mayoralty with Western Bay of Plenty councillor Margaret Murray-Benge and newcomer Stephen Fawcett. Councillors voted in for the Te Puke-Maketu Ward were Monique Lintswith 2089 votes, John Scrimgeour 2031, Kevin Marsh1883, and Grant Dally 1767.

Kaimai Ward were Margaret Murray-Benge with 2411 votes, Don Thwaites 2384, Mark Dean 2099, Murray Grainger 1904.

Katikati-Waihi Beach Ward were James Denyer with 1918 votes, Christina Humphreys 1434, and Anne Henry 1265.

Those voted on to the Maketu Community Board were Shane Beechwith 235 votes, Laura Rae 221, William Ra Anaru 201, and Stephan Simpson 124.

Te Puke Community Board were Richard Crawford with 1117 votes, Tupaea Rolleston988, Dale Snell969, Kassie Ellis 858.

Omokoroa Community Board were Peter Presland and Teresa Sage with 914 votes each, Derek Sage 803, John Evans 518.

Katikati Community Board were Ben Warren with 1785 votes, Neil Harray1672, Kate Sutherland 1405, Christina Humphreys 1334.