Hegained 1,542 votes second behind his niece, new councillor Lani Kereopa, who got 1,776 votes, and ahead of the third-highest candidate and former iwi representative on the council, Rawiri Waru, with 1,446 votes.
He equals the record of being the longest-serving councillor of 48 years with former Greymouth District Councillor, Doug Truman.
But given he's set to serve three more years, the record is now his.
Before getting the phone call with the good news from Rotorua Lakes Council chief executive Geoff Williams, he said that despite having 16 campaigns under his belt, he still had butterflies.
"I know how the All Blacks feel now ahead of a big match."
After getting the news, he told the Rotorua Daily Post he had a huge smile on his face.
"I am proud and honoured. Even though it's my 16th time, I was still nervous, but this time is extra special - making history myself, but also for our iwi and hapu by having the first Māori ward."
Trevor Maxwell said he was all about "mokopuna decisions". Photo / Kelly Makiha
In true Maxwell humour, he said he could now put three big letters after his name - MBA.
"That stands for Māori boy from Awahou."
His win was tinged with sadness though, as he said goodbye to two of his fellow Māori councillors, who, according to the progressive results, weren't successful.
"I am sad for my niece Mercia [Yates], because she worked hard, and, holy macaroni, I am gobsmacked about Merepeka [Raukawa-Tait]. I have seen both of them work so hard."
Maxwell has served 45 consecutive years as a district councillor and three years between 1980 to 1983 as a Bay of Plenty regional councillor.
He was elected to Rotorua Council in 1977, then aged in his late 20s. He has previously served 11 years as deputy mayor.
This election, he sought a seat in one of the three new Māori wards he voted for last year.
In the lead-up to the election, he said there were some major issues he believed would require his experience and support, including strengthening the council's Te Arawa partnership and the Three Waters Reform.
Rotorua Lakes Councillor Trevor Maxwell was first elected in 1977. Photo / Andrew Warer
In 2018, he received the Minister of Local Government Excellence Award for Outstanding Contribution to Local Government. He was deputy mayor from 2002 to 2013.
He stood for mayor in 2004 after his good friend Grahame Hall stepped down.
