Candidates reveal election day plans

The wait is almost over for Rotorua's seven mayoral candidates.

Rotorua should know this Saturday who its mayor for the next three years will be.

The district's seven mayoral candidates have been campaigning hard for the past few months, some of them for almost a year, and will be waiting with bated breath for the results to come in.

According to www.electionz.com progress results will be available from 4pm Saturday, but could be released earlier.

Rotorua's mayoral candidates have planned a variety of activities to keep them busy on Saturday.

Incumbent mayor Steve Chadwick said she would be at her home with friends, family and supporters.

"We are having an open home afternoon from 1pm. It will be a time to relax and analyse the results.

"Thanks to those who voted and supported our bid," she said.

Rotorua District Residents and Ratepayers group mayoral candidate Dr Reynold Macpherson said group members and associates would be having a meal and party at the CT Club to "celebrate our year-long campaign in defence of democracy".

"Whatever the electoral outcomes, we have had so much fun," he said.

Independent candidates and incumbent district councillors Rob Kent and Mark Gould, who are both also running for seats on the Rotorua Lakes Council, will also be spending time with family, friends and supporters.

Mr Kent said he and his partner Vicki would be at home sharing a glass or two of bubbles with a few friends and supporters while they wait for the results.

Mr Gould said he'd be working at the family business until about 1pm.

"Later in the afternoon I will be joined at home by family and friends that have supported and helped me throughout the campaign.

"I'm cooking roast pork with all the trimmings."

RangiMarie Kingi, running for the second time as a mayoral candidate, said she would continue karakia (praying) and fasting in her efforts to "collapse the British Empire controlling Rotorua local government".

While first-time candidate Frances Louis, who is also running for a spot on the Lakes District Health Board, said she'd be watching re-runs of Rick Stein, "he cheers me up no end and it will be my stress relief".

"I'm already a nervous wreck, but will be keeping an eye on the results as they come in."

John Rakei-Clark did not respond to requests for comment.

Election Day
- Is this Saturday
- It is now too late to post your voting papers
- Votes can still be made until midday Saturday at the Rotorua Lakes Council offices and Rotorua District Library
- Progress results released Saturday afternoon
- Preliminary results released Sunday
- Official results due mid-next week
- Keep an eye on www.rotoruadailypost.co.nz or Rotorua Daily Post on Facebook for up to date election results from Saturday afternoon