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Outspoken Wanganui mayor Michael Laws has swept back into the hot seat for his second term, with an increased majority of more than 3000.
Meanwhile, it was a day in triplicate for much of the lower North Island yesterday, with a number of mayors, including Kerry Prendergast, who
was expected to retake Wellington, gearing up for their third terms.
They included Napier first lady Barbara Arnott, given a resounding vote of confidence with 14,335 votes, more than five times that of rival Cliff Church, and New Plymouth's toothsome Peter Tennent, whose 12,093 votes were just short of the combined totals of his three opponents.
A 50.7 per cent voter turnout in New Plymouth saw four long-serving councillors, including deputy mayor Lynn Bublitz and former league star Howie Tamati dumped, while former newspaper editor Lance Girling-Butcher, possibly the country's only blind councillor, and television reality star John "Horse" McLeod, will take seats at the council table.
"It's always disappointing to lose hard-working councillors but I'm very comfortable with the team the community has selected to take this triennium forward," Tennent said.
Further south, Wanganui handed another media celebrity, Dancing with the Stars contestant Michael Laws his second chance, despite much hurrumping in some quarters over his handling of the Serjeant Gallery refurbishment plans and his refusal to lower the city's flag for King Taufa'ahau Tupou IV, of Tonga, whom Laws described as a "brown slug".
Second place-getter John Martin, bridesmaid in 2004 as well, received 7044 votes, 3410 less than Laws' 10,454.
Laws was philosophical about his win, saying it meant nothing much would change: "The thing about getting re-elected is that the same things you were doing on Friday you'll be doing on Monday, so it's really no big deal."
There was a little chest beating however, with Laws noting the city had a 64 per cent voter turnout, one of the highest in the country.
"This is the first time since 1998 that a Wanganui mayor has enjoyed over 50 per cent of the vote.
"I think I got 56 per cent, so that's good."
Also celebrating an increased majority at an open home with family and friends was Napier's Arnott. She was looking forward to another three years in her mayoral chains.
"It shows a huge amount of support from the community, which I am really pleased about. It's satisfying to get that vote of confidence for the third term."
