Aksel Bech has achieved a decisive victory over Jacqui Church to win the Waikato District mayoralty.
Election Day Progress Results show Aksel Bech received 10,268 votes, compared with Jacqui Church’s 5,821.
Waikato District Mayor-elect Bech posted a statement thanking voters.
“I’m incredibly honoured and humbled to be elected as your new mayor.
“This result reflects the passion, pride, and belief our communities have in building a stronger, more empowered, and more affordable future together.
“To everyone who supported, volunteered, shared their ideas, and voted – thank you.
“Every conversation, every message, every wave from the roadside made this campaign truly special. Now, the work begins. Together, we’ll deliver a council that listens, acts, is transparent and accountable and puts our communities first.
“Here’s to the next chapter – and to a thriving Waikato District we can all be proud of.”
Bech also told the Franklin Times, he wanted to: “acknowledge the 12 years of service that Jacqui gave, and the passion she brought to that mahi.”
Outgoing mayor Jacqui Church conceded to Bech a statement on social media:
“Our nation is a thriving democracy, and that’s something we should all be proud of.
“It’s important that every voice is heard at all levels of decision-making and governance. Thank you to everyone who participated in that democracy throughout this year’s local elections.
“I’m incredibly proud of everything our Council has achieved since 2022 and the real progress made.
“Each councillor and staff member has served our communities with dedication and integrity, and made changes and innovations that will benefit our District for generations to come.
“That’s a legacy to be proud of. Thank you for your passion for service, including through incredibly challenging times.
“Congratulations to all those newly elected and re-elected for this coming term, including Mayor-elect Bech. I wish the new council all the very best for the coming term.”
Waikato District also voted to remove Maaori wards, with 8553 for their removal, and 7385 in favour of retaining them.
North Waikato results
Vern Reeve returns as Tuakau-Pokeno ward councillor, joined by newcomer Fabio Rodrigues, who was less than 100 votes behind Reeve, and ousting Kandi Ngataki.
Peter Thomson safely defended his seat from challenger Amanda Rutherford to retain the Awaroa-Maramarua ward.
Carolyn Eyre was uncontested in the Western Districts ward and returns for another term on the Waikato District Council.
The Rural-Port Waikato Community Board (4) has been elected unopposed. The representatives of the North Subdivision are Trish Murray and Leah Fry. The representatives of the South Subdivision are Flee Coker-Grey and Jo-Ann Townsend.
Waikato District Council Election Day Progress Result, on Saturday, October 11:
Awaroa-Maramarua General Ward (1 position)
1– Peter Thomson 802 votes
2 – Amanda Rutherford 281 votes
Huntly General Ward (1 position)
1– David Whyte 714 votes
2 – Michael Cresswell 204 votes
3 – Frank McInally 211 votes
Newcastle-Ngāruawāhia General Ward (2 positions)
1 – Grant Coombes 1691 votes
2 – Eugene Patterson 1677 votes
3 – Dianne Firth 834 votes
4 – Ganga Sudhan 494 votes
Tai Raro Takiwaa Maaori Ward (1 position)
1 – Endine Dixon-Harris 377 votes
2 – Donna Pokere-Phillips 369 votes
3 – Rosalie Ellis 258 votes
Tai Runga Takiwaa Maaori Ward (1 position)
Tilly Turner elected unopposed
Tamahere-Woodlands General Ward (2 positions)
1 – Mike Keir 1913 votes
2 – Crystal Beavis 1430 votes
3 – Peter Mayall 1333 votes
4 – Mark Manson 658 votes
5 – Anne Cao-Oulton 649 votes
Tuakau-Pōkeno General Ward (2 positions)
1 – Vern Reeve 1052 votes
2 – Fabio Rodrigues 954 votes
3 – Stephanie Henderson 833 votes
4 – Kandi Ngataki 574 votes
5 – Bronwyn Heath 522 votes
Waerenga-Whitikahu (1 position)
1 – Marlene Raumati 832 votes
2 – Denise Dickinson 565 votes
Western Districts General Ward (1 position)
Carolyn Eyre elected unopposed
Whāingaroa General Ward (1 position)
1 – Lisa Thomson 813 votes
2 – Nicola Laboyrie 506 votes
North Waikato community boards
Tuakau Community Board (6 positions)
1 – Christopher Betty 814 votes
2 – Peter Coleman 687 votes
3 – Davendra Kumar 641 votes
4 – Richard Gee 572 votes
5 – Grace Tema-Liapaneke 531 votes
6 – Rawhiti-Whenua Matena Ngataki 528 votes
7 – Lee Watson 514 votes
8 – David Henderson 391 votes
Rural-Port Waikato Community Board (4 positions)
Trish Murray elected unopposed
Leah Fry elected unopposed
Flee Coker-Grey elected unopposed
Jo-Ann Day-Townsend elected unopposed
