According to preliminary results, there are just five votes separating the top two candidates. Photo: 123RF
A recount is likely in Northland's tightest election race, if the razor-thin margin between the three leading mayoral candidates is confirmed in the final results.
According to preliminary results in the Kaipara mayoral race, current deputy mayor Jonathan Larsen is just five votes ahead of iwi leader Snow Tane, and 31 votes ahead of two-times former mayor Jason Smith.
Tane, who is the general manager of Dargaville-based Te Roroa Development Group, said he had never known a Kaipara election to be so close.
"If it stays close then I'll definitely be asking for a recount, as I envisage so would the other two. It makes sense," he said.
Larsen, who was endorsed by outgoing mayor Craig Jepson, said he had not yet considered a recount, and would see what the final results brought.
Smith, a Matakohe farmer who was mayor from 2018-22, said he was also waiting for the final count.
"That choice will be made at the time," he said.
The current totals are, according to Sunday's preliminary results, Larsen 3070 votes, Tane 3065, Smith 3039, and Ash Nayyar 1256.
A Kaipara District Council spokesperson said the final count, including special votes, would be known on Friday.
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