Nadine Taylor wins mayoralty

Former deputy mayor and Marlborough Sounds Ward councillor Nadine Taylor has been elected the region's mayor.

She received 11,538 of the 14,494 votes counted - more than five times the number of votes of the next ranked mayoral hopeful, Matt Flight.

Mayor Nadine Taylor says she's honoured to have been elected as Marlborough’s new Mayor today.

"With a largely new Council and a number of significant challenges ahead it has been more important than ever for Marlborough to have consistent, considered and experienced leadership to help progress the region forward," she says.

"Our community has responded to this need through their votes, and I thank everybody who have placed their trust in my leadership."

The results were shared by Marlborough District Council this afternoon, based on about 90 per cent of the returned vote.

Mayor Taylor beat mayoral hopefuls Chris Lippiatt, Matt Flight and  Richard Osmaston. She takes the reins from John Leggett, who didn't run for council this election.

The result is based on the counting of about 90 per cent of the returned voting papers and does not include some special votes and voting papers returned today.

Nadine extended her congratulations to the new elected councillors and thanked those that missed out for their effort.

"To our new elected Councillors, congratulations. The hard work starts now, and I look forward to working with you all to forge a strong, united and supportive Council team that puts the region first across everything we do.

"I have truly enjoyed meeting with so many Marlburians over the past six weeks, and discussing their concerns, questions and aspirations for our region. As Mayor I will work hard for Marlborough as we tackle issues and consider opportunities for the region, prioritising Marlborough’s environmental, social, and economic future success," Mayor Taylor says.

Only 40.89 per cent of Marlburians voted this year in a record low turnout; down from 2019's 48.37 per cent and 2016's 53.64 per cent.

In the Blenheim Ward (7 seats), the successfully elected Councillors are:

Jamie Arbuckle
David Croad
Deborah Dalliessi
Brian Dawson
Cyril Dawson
Matt Flight
Thelma Sowman

In the Marlborough Sounds Ward (3 seats), the successfully elected Councillors are:

Barbara Faulls
Raylene Innes
Ben Minehan

In the Wairau-Awatere Ward (3 seats), the successfully elected Councillors are:

Scott Adams
Gerald Hope
Mike Insley

In the Māori Ward (1 seat), the successfully elected Councillor is:

Allanah Burgess