Tony Lepper new Central Otago mayor

After three terms serving his "apprenticeship" as deputy mayor, Tony Lepper has won the top job in his first bid at the mayoralty.

He won by more than 500 votes over his nearest rival, businessman Jeff Hill, while sitting mayor Malcolm Macpherson polled the lowest of the three candidates.

• Profile: Tony Lepper

Mr Lepper (54) is a company director, of Earnscleugh, who has been a Central Otago District Councillor for 21 years.

Dr Macpherson had served three terms as mayor.  

Preliminary results: Tony Lepper, 2959. Jeff Hill 2410, Malcolm MacPherson 2343.

The Central Otago District Council was elected unopposed. It is: Stephen Battrick, Graeme Bell, Martin McPherson, Neil Gillespie, Terry Emmitt, Gordon Stewart, Tony Lepper, Clair Higginson, Barry Becker, John Lane, John Kerr.

For Central Otago community board results click here