Progress election results for Canterbury Regional Council (Environment Canterbury) have been released.

Deputy Electoral Officer and General Manager Governance Lisa Goodman said there were still some votes to be counted before the final result could be released.

“Special votes and some ordinary votes cast close to the deadline on Saturday morning haven’t been counted yet, so it is important to note these are not final results and are subject to change.

“The declaration of final results is expected on Thursday 16 October – that is when we will know for sure who is representing us for the next three years,” she said.

Voter turnout in Waitaha Canterbury varied across the seven constituencies, ranging between 30.34 per cent and 43.8 per cent compared with the range of 36.66 per cent and 49.65 per cent in 2022.

Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu has also today confirmed its intention to appoint Iaean Cranwell and Megen McKay to serve as the two Ngāi Tahu Councillors in accordance with the Canterbury Regional Council (Ngāi Tahu Representation) Act 2022. 

You can read the full media release here.

All councillors’ terms will take effect the day after the formal declaration of the election results on 16 October.

First Council meeting, election of Chair

Lisa said staff were planning for the first meeting of the triennium to take place on Wednesday 29 October.

“This is when all 16 councillors will be sworn in and can officially begin to undertake their duties. It is during this meeting councillors will decide on a chair to lead the Council through this new term.”