Who will Waipa chose at its ally?

With just nine votes and a judicial recount on the way, the position of Hamilton’s mayoralty still hangs in the balance.

Former councillor Andrew King was declared provisional winner and his position confirmed following the declaration of final votes.

King’s rival, former Waikato Regional Council chairperson Paula Southgate, said she is concentrating on taking her place at the council table as a councillor for Hamilton East, but with a vote so close ‘‘it makes sense to go for the recount’’.

Both candidates campaigned on different platforms regarding the direction they wish to lead Hamilton on so where does that leave Hamilton’s neighbours?

Waipa and Waikato district councils will soon have to cement their preference over the issues surrounding fresh water as to whether they wish to be locked into a three-way council controlled organisation.

Waipa mayor Jim Mylchreest has guaranteed the public will have it’s say over the issue. If a decision was to be made to form a council controlled organisation to manage water resources, it would be difficult to reverse.

Council controlled organisations to one side, Mylchreest remains nonchalant about who will end up as the mayor of Hamilton.

‘‘As both mayoral possibilities are potentially new mayors, Waipa has no particular preference. We will work positively with whoever is finally elected by the people of Hamilton in the interest of good governance for the Waikato region.’’