New Waimakariri District Mayor David Ayers says his priority will be rebuilding Kaiapoi.
The town was extensively damaged in the magnitude 7.1 earthquake on 4 September.
Mr Ayers received more than 7000 votes, about 3000 more than incumbent mayor, Ron Keating.
Mr Ayers says earthquake recovery is well underway and the council is waiting for a Government announcement on land restoration.
He says the council will work with the Government to get people back into their homes and to restore Kaiapoi's businesses.
