Twizel electrician Scott Aronsen received a clear mandate from the Mackenzie district to take up the mayoral reins.
The 54-year-old received 1093 votes for the mayoralty — more than all other candidates combined and well ahead of his closest contender, acting mayor Karen Morgan, who received 417 votes.
Other contenders for the Mackenzie mayoralty were Elizabeth McKenzie (236), Ash Jackson (196) and Robin McCarthy (93).
Mr Aronsen, with just one term as a councillor under his belt, acknowledged it was a fairly substantial win.
‘‘I know what’s expected of me, and there are a few things to get on with.’’
Mr Aronsen said he understood he would be the first Mackenzie mayor to be Twizel-based, having lived in the former hydro town while running a small electrical contracting business there for the past 29 years.
‘‘That presents its own challenges, the travel involved — it’s one and a-half hours travel before you get anywhere.’’
Mr Aronsen said he was happy with his team of councillors and had a good idea of where everybody was at.
Mr Aronsen also polled highest in the Pukaki ward with 554 votes.
Having won the mayoralty, his nomination was withdrawn, leaving the three successful candidates Jan Spriggs (483), Frank Hocken (342) and Brian Finn (341).
The three Opuha ward positions were won by Rit Fisher (801), Phillipa Guerin (756) and Mark Adams (665).
Sue Allan took the Tekapo ward seat with 146 votes, ahead of Maireire Norman with 81.
Only three nominations were received for the four Twizel community board seats, so Tony Hodges, Mary Murdoch and Katrina Te Rito were elected unopposed.
Barbara Nustrini, Anna Roseingrave, Brent Swanson and Simon Tocker took the four Tekapo community board seats.
The Fairlie Community Board will be comprised of Holly Lane-Hand, Tom Whittaker, Jamie McMurtrie and Simon Cassie.
The voter return was 59.13%, being 2053 votes, excluding special votes.
The new Mackenzie District Council will be sworn in on October 28.
