New and returning faces for Kawerau

Kawerau District Council will see three new faces around the table and the return of a familiar one when the eight-member body convenes next week.

As expected, mayor Malcolm Campbell was elected for a third term with a resounding victory over his only opponent Pat Norris, gaining a total of 1777 votes compared with Norris' 185.

"It is a reflection of the people in Kawerau and the team," said Mr Campbell who also congratulated the only woman councillor Berice Julian, a former teacher turned supermarket checkout supervisor, on topping the poll.

"Berice held in there as the only women and worked hard.

"Last term was her first term but she picked the job up quickly."

Pat Norris said although he was disappointed at only picking up 10 per cent of the possible vote, he did not regret having an attempt at the top job.

"We were advocating change which people did not see. But that is the democratic process."

Mr Norris said his plans to redevelop the swimming pool complex and charge and admissions fee was possibly his downfall. He was non-committal on whether he would return in three years' time.

"Anything is possible. I am grateful for this opportunity and will see how it goes over the next three years."

Two incumbent councillors, Denis Cotter and Tamairangi Fox failed to win re-selection with Mr Campbell saying, "It is the name of the game. We will be seeing a 50 per cent turnover of councillors, but we will have a strong team to continue the work we need to do."

Mr Fox had only been a councillor for eight months after replacing the late Ron Tuhoro. Mr Tuhoro's brother Stephen is one of the new councillors.

Mr Campbell said his first priorities were the issue of wayward youth in the town and economic development, with both aimed at revitalising the central business district.

"Otherwise it is business as usual - with thanks to the residents of Kawerau for their confidence in me."

Alongside the three new councillors, Anita Moore returns having taken a break last term.

"I am really delighted to be elected.

"It was not an easy thing to re-stand after retiring three years ago and I was doubtful that I would be successful.

"However, I am looking forward to getting back into the swing of things and working hard for the good of Kawerau."

Nearly half Kawerau's eligible voters went to the polls, producing a 46 per cent return, a figure higher than the national average.

Kawerau District Council final results:

*Successful candidates in bold

Mayoralty: CAMPBELL, Malcolm 1777; NORRIS, Pat 185.

Councillors: JULIAN, Berice 1255; HOLMES, Alistair 1113; JOYES, Bernie 1140; ALLEN, Wes 1077 ; TUHORO, Stephen 1039; CHASE, Russell 1010; ION, Carolyn 908, MOORE, Anita 881. BELL, Clem 667; BENNETT, Matai 658; CAVE, Peter 443; Cotter, Denis 746; FOX, Tomairangi 827; O'BRIEN, Val 781; PATERSON, David 351; TEMO, Joseph 459.