The Final Result for the Rotorua Lakes Council 2025 election is in with the outcome remaining the same as the preliminary results published earlier this week.
Rotorua Lakes Council Chief Executive, Andrew Moraes, congratulates all successful candidates and says he is looking forward to working with the elected Council to deliver on the direction they set.
“While we didn’t achieve our ambitious goal of increasing voter turnout despite our best efforts, turnout in our district was 43.27 per cent (21,796 votes) - above the national average and close to our 2022 result. It’s also encouraging to see that participation in the Māori ward has increased by 3 per cent.
“Our focus now turns to providing a solid induction programme and support for the elected Council to ensure they have what they need for good decision-making.
“This term brings both challenges and opportunities during a time of change in local government. I’m looking forward to working out our ambitious work programme for the triennium, combining the key priorities from my Pre-election Report with those of the new Council.”
Key priorities include sustainable funding of public facilities, encouraging private investment and partnerships, and supporting the financial viability of the Central Business District, says Mr Moraes.
“We will also continue our commitment to the Local Water Done Well initiative and Resource Management Act reform, with major projects, including Te Whare Taonga o Te Arawa (Rotorua Museum), the wastewater treatment plant upgrade and recovered water disposal solution continuing to be a priority.”
Rotorua Mayor
Mayor – Tania Tapsell
General Ward Councillors
- Fisher Wang
- Sandra Kai Fong
- Ben Sandford
- Gregg Brown
- Don Paterson
- Robert Lee
Rural Ward Councillor
- Karen Barker (elected unopposed).
Māori Ward Councillors
- Te Rika Temara-Benfell
- Trevor Maxwell
- Merepeka Raukawa-Tait
Māori Ward Referendum
Rotorua voted to retain the Māori Ward in the binding poll, with 11,363 votes received in support of retaining it.
Rotorua Rural Community Board
- Colin Guyton
- Tina Marshall
- Karen Forlong
- Tina Rose
Rotorua Lakes Community Board
The number of nominations received did not exceed the number of vacancies, Peter MacMillan and Jennifer Rothwell are elected unopposed. A third nomination was received for Phill Thomass who passed away during the election period.
A by-election will be required to fill the two vacancies for the board and will be held in due course.
What’s next?
A pōhiri will be held on 29 October to welcome the elected members. Following the pōhiri, members will be officially sworn in ahead of their induction into the 2025–2028 triennium.
View the 2025 Rotorua Lakes Council Triennial Progress Result (121KB)
View the 2025 Rotorua Lakes Council Triennial Elections Preliminary Result (120KB)
