Dunedin Council Elections: Calvert and Laws Secure Re-election

The recent local elections in Dunedin have resulted in the re-election of several council members, including Hilary Calvert, who is poised to return to her seat. Alongside her, incumbents Andrew Noone and Gretchen Robertson, who served as chairwoman during the previous term, are also expected to continue their roles. Progress results indicate that after 85% of the votes have been counted, newcomer Chanel Gardner and the Green Party’s incumbent Alan Somerville will be among those elected. However, incumbents Elliot Weir and Tim Mepham are projected to lose their seats, with a narrow margin separating Cr Somerville and Cr Weir.

In the Dunstan constituency, Michael Laws has secured an easy re-election, confirming his continued presence on the council. The progress results also show that incumbents Gary Kelliher and Matt Hollyer, along with former Central Otago district deputy mayor Neil Gillespie, will take their places alongside him. Notably, Ms Calvert, Cr Laws, and Cr Kelliher campaigned under the fiscally conservative Vision Otago team ticket.

Carmen Hope, also part of the Vision Otago ticket, did not achieve the same success, failing to secure a seat in the Molyneux ward. In that area, Act candidate Robbie Byars is leading based on progress results, while incumbent Kate Wilson is set to be re-elected. Meanwhile, incumbent Lloyd McCall will not retain his position.

The Moeraki ward has retained Kevin Malcolm, ensuring his continued representation. It is important to note that the progress results provided do not encompass all special votes or those that were returned on the day of the election. The council has indicated that the final outcomes may change once all voting papers are fully counted.

As the elections unfold, the dynamic within the Dunedin council is set to shift, with opportunities for new voices and perspectives while maintaining some level of continuity through re-elected officials. The final results will be closely monitored as they are finalized, potentially reshaping the governance of the region.