Preliminary election results: Rotorua

Kevin Winters. Photo / APN

10,836 - Kevin Winters
5956 - Charles Sturt
1617 - Cliff Lee

Rotorua Mayor Kevin Winters yesterday had his landline and mobile phones switched off, his front door locked and blinds closed.

But his communications shutdown wasn't to escape the hordes of well-wishers for his successful bid at office.

"I just wanted to watch Bathurst," he said.

Mr Winters had a quiet Sunday at home after he was confirmed as Mayor of Rotorua for a third term on Saturday.

Just three candidates stood for the Rotorua mayoralty and initial results had Mr Winters comfortably beating Charles Sturt with 10,836 votes to 5956.

Perennial mayoral hopeful Cliff Lee ran third with 1617 votes.

The Rotorua District Council also saw just one change with businessman Mark Gould replacing local farmer Bob Martin. Mr Winters said he was surprised the status quo had been maintained, particularly after the city's ward-based local body voting system was dumped last year in favour of at-large voting, allowing people to vote for up to 12 of their favourite candidates.