Yesterday’s progress results had NPDC Councillor Bryan Vickery slightly ahead of EJ Barrett in 6th place of the Kaitake-Ngāmotu ward with 6 vacancies. However, the provisional results released today by NPDC, which includes “last minute” votes cast yesterday, has Barrett 151 votes ahead, which would unseat Vickery.
The final results are expected next week on Friday, which includes special votes. It’s a closely contested seat, and could go either way.
Meanwhile, in the District Wide contest, Dinnie Moeahu maintains his slim lead over Amanda Clinton-Ghodes with 149 more votes, so that’s another closely contested seat we’ll be keeping an eye on with the final results.
Barrett’s bio on NPDC’s “Know Your Candidates” website reads as follows:
“Hi! I’m EJ. I’m here to protect what matters most: Libraries. Homes. Communities.
With libraries under threat, and many candidates pushing for cuts, I’m standing up for our public spaces and community resources.
I’ll push council to unlock more affordable housing, by reducing consent fees for community housing providers and backyard subdivisions. Building more homes where services already exist reduces costs, reduces pressure on rates, and puts money back in the hands of the people.
I have professional experience in finance and facilitation. I’ve studied city design and resource management. I’ve helped form national policy on economic wellbeing, and fought for public transport.
I’m deeply connected to disability, LGBTQIA+, and school communities. As someone with lived experience of disability, chronic illness, and navigating underfunded systems, I know how local decisions can build belonging, or deepen hardship.
Save Our Libraries!”
Preliminary results
New Plymouth District Council
Māori ward vote: Remove 14760, Keep 11713
