The people have spoken

THE election of Green Party member Aaron Hawkins as Dunedin’s new mayor is confirmation the majority of voters believe the city is on the right path.

Mr Hawkins’ election will see a continuation of Dunedin’s progress on contentious initiatives, like the waterfront development, cycleways and George St’s redevelopment.

Mr Hawkins campaigned on continued progressive development in Dunedin, focusing on measures to improve housing, public transport and the natural environment.

If the public ever wanted to have its say on who should lead the city, and what direction it should take, this was the time to do it. Just 45.6% of eligible Dunedin voters bothered to vote, a marginal increase from 45.2% at the last election.

Threeterm mayor Dave Cull opted not to stand, leaving the mayoral race effectively a shootout between Mr Hawkins, a supporter of Mr Cull, and Lee Vandervis, a longtime adversary of the former mayor.

Mr Hawkins has indicated he wants to continue with progress made in the city over the last six years, but it is vital he forges his own pathway in the top job. If successful, he could be in for a long stint in the role.

He has proven himself to be an intelligent and hardworking councillor and the city can expect more of the same from him now he is mayor. However, he must listen to ratepayers and not let his Green Party roots, which can polarise some, sway his views.

What is best for the city must remain his mandate.

Cr Vandervis was quick to blame others — including the media — for his lack of success.

But clearly his divisive nature and disruptive approach counted against him. With no incumbent standing, this was Cr Vandervis’ best opportunity to become mayor.

Cr Vandervis was the highest polling councillor, as he was three years ago. It seems voters are happy to have him sitting at the council table but taking over the mayoral chains is considered a step too far.

Voting showed Cr Vandervis led the mayoral race early but as the Single Transferable Vote (STV) system kicked in he was overtaken by Mr Hawkins.

This was further evidence that when it comes to Mr Vandervis there is little middle ground for some voters; they either like him or they do not.

Noone can question his passion for the city. But if he is to ever claim the top job he must show he can work positively alongside his colleagues rather than constantly battling with them.

Perhaps Mr Hawkins could come to the party this term and give the experienced Cr Vandervis more responsibility at committee level and see what he is capable of.

Four new Dunedin councillors were elected — Jules Radich, Carmen Houlahan, Sophie Barker and Steve Walker. Oneterm councillor Damian Newell missed out on reelection.

The dynamics of the city council will be intriguing but the balance looks roughly the same as the last term. Overall, it is likely to be more of the same with centrist, left and green voices around Mr Hawkins and the council’s dominant view on issues like the effects of climate change or cycleways.

Dunedin was the only electorate in the region to get a new mayor.

Jim Boult (Queenstown), Tim Cadogan (Central Otago), Gary Kircher (Waitaki), Gary Tong (Southland district) Craig Rowley (Waimate) and Graham Smith (Mackenzie) were reelected. Tracy Hicks (Gore) and Bryan Cadogan (Clutha) were elected unopposed.

In Invercargill, the drums had been beating for change but Tim Shadbolt was elected for his ninth term as mayor. Confirmation the 72yearold still has plenty of supporters in the deep south.