Final results for Buller’s 2025 local government elections announced

The final results for the Buller District Council elections held on Saturday 11 October 2025 were made available on council’s website last night.

Chris Russell received 1,432 votes which secured him the position as Buller’s Mayor.

Chief Executive Officer Simon Pickford says: “The voter return was 54.6%, being 4,199 votes, including special votes for this year’s local government election. This was a higher turnout for Buller compared to the last triennial elections in 2022, with a turnout of 48.2%”.

The Westport Ward will see several new faces around the table. Sitting councillors Grant Weston, Phil Grafton, Andrew Basher and Colin Reidy stood again, with only Cr Reidy reappointed to his seat.

Former councillor Shayne Barry received 1,460 votes, the largest number for this ward. Another former elected member, Phil Rutherford, also joins the council table for the new triennium.

Dave Hingston, Ray Curnow and Paul Reynolds will join council for the first time, all taking a seat in Buller’s largest ward.
Two well-known faces will represent the Inangahua Ward, with sitting councillor Linda Webb and former councillor Dave Hawes elected unopposed.

In the Seddon Ward, sitting councillors Rosalie Sampson and Toni O’Keefe return for another term, also elected unopposed, with the number of nominations for this ward also matching the number of available seats.

The Inangahua Community Board, which represents and advises council regarding the needs of the Inangahua Ward and its residents, sees a significant change in leadership with three new faces around the table. Tony Fortune, Don Abbey and Gwen Gardner join previous term board member Alun Bollinger, who has retained his seat.

Mr Pickford says: “We have planned a comprehensive new triennium induction process over the coming months. We look forward to assisting the elected members gain a good understanding of the complex issues and challenges our district faces as we work together to improve the long-term wellbeing of Buller’s community.”

The new council will be sworn in on Wednesday 29 October 2025 at the Clocktower Chambers in Westport.

The final results can be viewed on council’s website: https://bullerdc.govt.nz/vote2025

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For further information please contact:
Community Engagement Team
Buller District Council
Media.Enquiries@bdc.govt.nz 

Disclaimer
The information in this media release was correct at time of publication. Changes in circumstances after the time of publication may impact on the accuracy of the information.