Whangārei's new mayor Ken Couper. (File photo) Photo: Michael Cunningham / Northern Advocate
Waipū farmer and district councillor Ken Couper has been confirmed as the new mayor of Northland's Whangārei.
In final results released on Friday night, Couper had 435 more votes than the incumbent Vince Cocurullo.
Cocurullo had a narrow lead in the progress results released last Saturday, but switched places with Couper in the preliminary count.
The final results further widened the gap.
Couper was first elected to represent the Bream Bay area as a councillor in 2019.
Cocurullo stood only for the mayoralty so was now out of the governance table.
In a social media post, Cocurullo said the people of Whangārei had spoken and the result was not one he or his team had hoped for.
"The work of council must continue, and it is my sincere hope that our community can now come together to support the new mayor and council in their work.
"While my role is changed, my commitment to Whangārei remains as strong as ever. There is still much work to be done, and I believe in a bright future for our district."
Former nurse and current district councillor Marie Olsen placed third.
Whangārei's voters had also chosen to disestablish the District's Māori Ward.
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