It was a mixed bag of results for Rotorua's four other mayoral candidates after Saturday's election.
Mark Gould, who came in fourth, but was re-elected to the Rotorua Lakes Council, said he "failed dismally" because of a perceived pro-Te Arawa and anti-Te Arawa vote, but wanted to thank all of his supporters.
"I wish Steve [Chadwick] all the best for the next three years.
"It's just a pity more than 50 per cent of our people didn't vote and they were the ones who decided who our council were.
"There were a number of people who voted against Janet [Wepa], it was the Rotorua District Residents and Ratepayers who went at her with a vengeance."