Nelson has thrown out its sitting mayor, replacing him with a man 31 years his junior.
Aldo Miccio, a 39-year-old businessman, is believed to be the youngest ever Nelson city Mayors.
He beat the current deputy mayor, Rachel Reese, and polled more than three times as many votes as the incumbent, Kerry Marshall.
Mr Miccio says the city has shown it is ready for change.
He says Mr Marshall has done a great job as mayor, but perhaps voters were just looking for fresh blood.
Mr Miccio says economic growth for Nelson is a major priority.
