Wendy Schollum is claiming victory in the Hastings mayoralty race with about 3000 votes left to be counted. Photo: RNZ/Alexa Cook
Hastings mayoral candidate Marcus Buddo is yet to concede defeat to rival Wendy Schollum, who has claimed the win.
With about 3000 votes left to be counted, Buddo is only behind by 324 votes.
However, Wendy Schollum told RNZ that based on statistics, the results shouldn't change and she's excited to be Hastings' new mayor.
"I've always put my faith in the community to make the right decision and obviously I'm delighted with the result. I feel relatively confident that it will track as it has so far," she said.
Five newcomers were vying for the top job, including three councillors, a former policeman and a motorcycle racer.
Schollum said she has big boots to fill, after incumbent Sandra Hazelhurst stepped down, and was thankful to everyone who voted.
"It's always a struggle and I'm incredibly excited to serve both those who voted for me and those who didn't.
"This has been a huge process with an incredible incumbent standing down," she said.
Provisional results would be confirmed later today, and final results declared on 16 October.
Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
