Hamilton's mayor, Bob Simcock, looks to have lost his fight for re-election.
With 95 per cent of of votes counted today, newcomer Julie Hardaker was leading Mr Simcock by 12,520 votes to 11,723.
Roger Hennebry was a distant third with 4967 votes.
"It's fabulous. I'm absolutely ecstatic. We're just really,
really thrilled," Ms Hardaker said.
"It's always a big ask to come in against an incumbent who had a big majority last time, but we did it."
Her goal was to create a vision for the fast-growing city, avoiding transport struggles like Auckland, she said.
"People have been saying it's been 'same old, same old'. They were looking for someone who could take the concept for change and Hamilton standing up for what it is," Mr Hardaker said.
"Everywhere I've gone, people have been saying to me, 'We're just muddling along'."
Meanwhile, Mr Simcock says he is due for a "good holiday" after 16 years representing the city.
"For me, I've held office to represent the city for 16 years, between Parliament and the council, and it's been a great privilege."
The campaign had been a close one for some time, but now the voters had decided "and that's fine", he said.
"We work long hours so there's also a sense of relief - someone else can deal with the challenges for a while."
- NZPA, NZHERALD STAFF
