Businessman Grant Smith has been elected Palmerston North mayor in a by-election.
Grant Smith Photo: PNCC
Grant Smith, a first term councillor, has run businesses in the city for 23 years.
He said his priority for Palmerston North was making smart financial decisions by matching economic growth with the community's needs.
He wanted more progress and accountability in the way the region is marketed, in connecting with youth and in promoting sport.
Mr Smith was elected in a voter turnout of 42.8 percent.
The by-election was prompted by the resignation of former mayor Jono Naylor, who entered Parliament last year as a National list MP.
