Neil Volzke Secures Sixth Term as Stratford Mayor in Close Race

Neil Volzke has been re-elected as the mayor of Stratford, marking his sixth consecutive term in office. The preliminary vote count revealed that he secured victory with a narrow margin of just 219 votes over his closest competitor, Jono Erwood. This win positions Volzke as potentially the longest-serving current mayor in New Zealand, contingent on the outcome of the Upper Hutt mayoralty contest, where incumbent Wayne Guppy faced a challenge from Peri Zee.

Volzke expressed satisfaction with the election results, noting his relief that the campaigning had concluded. “I’m looking forward to the challenge of the next three years; it will be a testing time for councils,” he stated. The newly elected council is expected to include four or five new members, depending on the final vote counts and special votes.

New Council and Upcoming Challenges

Preliminary results, released on Sunday, show that Josh Best finished third in the urban ward, while Jaimie Bertie secured sixth place. In the Māori ward, candidates David Chadwick, Karley Hemopo, and incumbent Hemi Haddon received 47, 42, and 34 votes, respectively. Katherine Sextus was elected unopposed to the rural ward.

Reflecting on the election outcome, Volzke noted the district’s decision against maintaining the Māori Ward beyond 2028. “I personally supported it, but from the feedback I received during the campaign, the split was as I anticipated,” he commented. He emphasized the importance of engaging with the Māori community over the next three years to ensure their voices are heard.

A significant priority for the new council will be establishing a new business unit for Local Water Done Well. Volzke also highlighted the need to minimize rate increases, stating, “The community is really feeling the cost-of-living increases at the moment. We have to do everything we can to make sure our rates increases are on the lower end and people are not put into hardship.”

Jono Erwood, while disappointed not to have won the mayoralty, topped the vote for councillors. He expressed optimism about the upcoming special vote count, expected to be released on Friday, stating, “It is what it is.” Erwood was pleased with his vote tally, viewing it as an endorsement of his commitment to the community.

“It was good giving people an option. Both of us love the community, and getting us both back in is a win all around,” he added.

The new council is set to convene for its first meeting in early November, where they will begin to address the pressing challenges ahead.