<\/p>\n
\nAccording to preliminary results, there are just five votes separating the top two candidates.
\nPhoto: 123RF\n<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
“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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Smith, a Matakohe farmer who was mayor from 2018-22, said he was also waiting for the final count.<\/p>\n
“That choice will be made at the time,” he said.<\/p>\n
The current totals are, according to Sunday’s preliminary results, Larsen 3070 votes, Tane 3065, Smith 3039, and Ash Nayyar 1256.<\/p>\n
A Kaipara District Council spokesperson said the final count, including special votes, would be known on Friday.<\/p>\n