Mayoral candidates post election views

Rotorua's other mayoral candidates react to Saturday's results.

It was a mixed bag of results for Rotorua's four other mayoral candidates after Saturday's election.

Mark Gould, who came in fourth, but was re-elected to the Rotorua Lakes Council, said he "failed dismally" because of a perceived pro-Te Arawa and anti-Te Arawa vote, but wanted to thank all of his supporters.

"I wish Steve [Chadwick] all the best for the next three years.

"It's just a pity more than 50 per cent of our people didn't vote and they were the ones who decided who our council were.

"There were a number of people who voted against Janet [Wepa], it was the Rotorua District Residents and Ratepayers who went at her with a vengeance."

He said he would be closing his family business in two weeks and would give total commitment to his role on council.

"It's critical to keep the rates low and be conscious of the costs of the new sewerage schemes, so I'll be keeping a close eye on that.

"The people of Rotorua can't change their council now for the next three years so we all have to work as a team," Mr Gould said.

RangiMarie Kingi said in her opinion the election was rigged, but she would carry on regardless.

"It's a very poor turnout, but I don't think it's right," she said.

Frances Louis, who came in last place, said she accepted her loss but was not happy that Steve Chadwick was re-elected.

"I would have preferred Rob Kent," she said.

"Now there's going to be a big war and lots of fighting and arguments in council between Steve's supporters and the others."

Mrs Louis said she would run for Parliament in 2017.

John Rakei-Clark did not respond to requests for comment.