Preliminary result announced in QLDC by-election

Based on an initial preliminary result, Melissa White has been elected to the Queenstown Lakes District Council in the Arrowtown-Kawarau Ward by-election that closed at midday today.

Ms White received 767 votes, ahead of sole challenger John Glover with 741 votes.

The voter return stands at 19.2%, being 1,519 votes. There are 8 special votes still to count. The final result will be confirmed early next week.

Ms White is expected to be sworn in at the next Full Council meeting on 1 June.