A judicial recount of votes for the Porirua City Council’s Māori ward has confirmed Kylie Wihapi as the successful candidate, securing her position on the council.
The recount, overseen by a District Court judge and scrutineers appointed by recount applicant Jess Te Huia, resulted in a slight adjustment to the vote count. Two special votes previously allowed were disallowed during the process. The final tally gave Wihapi 934 votes, followed closely by Te Huia with 925. Other candidates, Raniera Albert and Rawinia Rimene, received 319 and 208 votes respectively.
The Electoral Officer issued an amended declaration following the judge’s decision. Planning is now underway for the inaugural meeting and swearing in of the new council.
The recount brought clarity to what had been one of the closest contests in the recent local elections, underscoring the importance of every vote in shaping community representation.