Michael Laws has secured his hold on an Otago Regional Council seat as his rival's bid for a recount was rejected. The former National MP and Wanganui mayor , Mr Laws gained a seat as one of three Dunstan constituency members on the council, polling five votes ahead of incumbent Gary Kelliher. Mr Kelliher, a Springvale farmer, applied to a district court judge for a recount of the votes and Judge Paul Kellar has declined the application. The process in this instance, was robust and provided sufficient checks and balances to ensure accurate results, Judge Kellar said. Mr Laws was relieved the process was completed and the final election results were regarded as accurate, and seen by a judge as such.

Source: Otago Daily Times October 21, 2016 05:03 UTC