Weston Kirton was "somewhere out in the back blocks of Taumarunui" on election day. Photo / Supplied
Weston Kirton is likely to be named the new mayor of Ruapehu, with progress results showing a lead of 350 votes over closest rival Elijah Pue.
Kirton has been contacted for comment.
His son Andrew Kirton tweeted that his "old man Weston has won the Ruapehu Mayoralty but doesn't know
as he's officiating a wedding somewhere out in the back blocks of Taumarunui".
Approximately 90 per cent of returned voting papers had been counted by 4pm on Saturday.
Korty Wilson, Channey Duncan Turoa Iwikau, and Fiona Kahukura Hadley-Chase were confirmed as Ruapehu's Māori Ward Councillors.
