Wayne Guppy has been the mayor of Upper Hutt for 24 years. (File photo) Photo: RNZ / Samuel Rillstone
One of the country's longest-standing mayors, Wayne Guppy has summed up his almost-certain ousting in a simple three-word text: "democracy has spoken".
Guppy has donned the Upper Hutt mayoral chains for 24 years and was vying for a ninth term, but his reign is likely over, with early results showing the city instead backed Peri Zee, an urban planner and transport adviser.
The outgoing mayor has kept his comments short and sweet for now, but indicated he would have more to say soon.
Meanwhile Zee, the only candidate who was not a sitting or former councillor, said she was excited to be at the helm for a "new chapter" for Upper Hutt.
"Thank you to everyone who has put their trust in me," she said.
"The people have, it seems, voted for change, and I'm ready to be the mayor that the people have asked for."
Zee's main priority was revitalising the city centre, which she said her community clearly wanted.
Peri Zee. Photo: RNZ / Samuel Rillstone
Rates affordability would be one of her council's biggest challenges, she said.
Zee also acknowledged the efforts of her predecessor over more than two decades.
"Wayne's dedicated a significant amount of his life to Upper Hutt, and we absolutely need to acknowledge and celebrate that," she said.
"That does take a lot of sacrifice... it is a significant moment for him as well."
As votes are counted, councils release progress results, then preliminary results, before final results.
Upper Hutt City Council said it was currently reporting progress results, with preliminary results delayed "due to the high volume of voting papers returned through orange bins across the country."
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