Palmerston North’s new council confirmed: Mayor Grant Smith returns

Published on 18 October 2025

Photos shows an orange hand holding voting paper by a DX Mail box

Palmerston North has spoken! The final local election results are in, and the city is ready to move forward with an experienced Council team which will include a couple of new faces.

Mayor Grant Smith has been re-elected for a fifth term, securing almost 10,000 more votes as the next candidate, a clear endorsement from Palmerston North voters. He says it’s a real honour and privilege to be serving the city for another term.

“I’m deeply honoured to be re-elected and to continue serving our amazing city. This is not a role I take for granted, and I’m excited to keep working with our new and returning councillors to make Palmerston North an even better place to live.”

Mayor Smith’s fifth consecutive win also makes him the longest currently serving mayor of a major New Zealand city, reflecting a decade of trusted leadership and stability for Palmerston North.

We had a lot more enrolled residents and ratepayers take part in this year’s election.

Chief Executive Waid Crockett says the results show a community that’s deeply invested in the city’s direction.

“A huge thank you to the 42.1% of you who voted. While we would love for everyone to be voting, this is our highest turnout since 2010, and so it’s great to see more Palmy people becoming engaged in shaping the city’s future.”

Joining the Council for the first time are Bonnie Kuru, elected to Te Pūao Māori Ward, and Hayden Fitzgerald, representing Te Hirawanui General Ward.

“To our returning councillors, welcome back and thank you for your continued service. And to our new members, congratulations. Serving your community is a privilege and full of challenges and opportunities, and I know you’ll bring great energy and new ideas to the table.”

We also acknowledge the contribution of outgoing Councillor Pat Handcock, who did not seek re-election, along with Councillor Roly Fitzgerald who has not been re-elected.

“We’re grateful for the dedication and mahi of these councillors who’ve served our city so well. Their work has helped build the strong foundation this new Council will continue to grow from.”

The Māori ward referendum results are also confirmed. Palmerston North will continue to have a Māori ward, underpinning the mana that Rangitāne have in the city, and ensuring Māori voices remain part of the city’s decision-making.

In early November, the new Council will be officially sworn in with a ceremony to bring together elected members, their whānau and families, and the community to celebrate the start of a new term.