Dunedin Elections: Calvert and Laws Secure Council Seats

The recent local elections in Dunedin have resulted in significant victories for several incumbents, with Hilary Calvert poised to return to the council alongside fellow incumbents Andrew Noone and Gretchen Robertson. Preliminary results, with 85% of the votes counted, indicate a strong showing for the fiscally conservative Vision Otago team, which also includes Michael Laws in the Dunstan constituency.

In the Dunedin constituency, Calvert’s re-election appears secure. She is joined by newcomer Chanel Gardner and the Green Party’s incumbent Alan Somerville, while incumbents Elliot Weir and Tim Mepham are projected to miss out. The margin between Somerville and Weir was notably close, highlighting a competitive race within the council.

Details of the Election Results

In the Dunstan constituency, Michael Laws was re-elected with a significant lead. Joining him on the list of elected representatives are Gary Kelliher and Matt Hollyer, alongside former Central Otago district deputy mayor Neil Gillespie. This team reflects a continued preference for candidates aligned with Vision Otago’s fiscally conservative platform.

Despite the overall success of the Vision Otago ticket, not every candidate emerged victorious. Carmen Hope, also part of this team, failed to secure a seat in the Molyneux ward. Meanwhile, in the same ward, Robbie Byars, the Act candidate, is leading based on progress results, while incumbent Kate Wilson appears set for re-election. Lloyd McCall, another incumbent, is projected to lose his seat.

The Moeraki ward saw Kevin Malcolm retained, yet the council emphasized that the progress results do not account for special votes or ballots returned later. The final outcome may differ once all voting papers are tallied.

The elections reflect a continued trend in local governance, with voters showing support for candidates championing fiscal conservatism. As the counting progresses, the final results will shape the future of the Dunedin council and its policies.