Liz McMillan set to become next mayor by over three thousand votes

Liz McMillan will be swapping the Deputy Mayor's chair for the mayoral chains.

McMillan currently sits at 5,472 votes, ahead of her mayoral candidate counterpart Russell Ellis' votes of 1,828.

She will replace incumbent Mayor Neil Brown, who decided not to stand again.

Accumulating 18 years of local governing experience across several position in the region, McMillan ran her campaign on promises of building connections with key stakeholders and building up rural businesses. She assured that her election would result in a smooth transition of power, staying on track with water services and budgeting plans.

On her FaceBook, McMillian says she was with family getting ready to watch the Mid Canterbury Hammers rugby game when she got the call. She says she is humbled by the result of this election and ready to get right into it, posting "Thank you all for the amazing support. I am beyond grateful."

Voter turnout for 2025 sat at 42.16%, which rose considerably from 36% since October 6th, staying relatively consistent with previous election years.

Many incumbent councillors such as Carolyn Cameron, Phill Hooper, Tony Todd, and mayoral challenger Russell Ellis are expected to return to the Ashburton Ward. They are accompanied by a new face from the Ashburton Guardian, local journalist Julie Moffett.

Moffett attributes her win to the relationships and reliability she built up in her role as a journalist, hoping to bring "qualities of the journalist" such as curiosity and a balanced outlook to her new role. Currently she doesn't have plans to step away the Ashburton Guardian. 

The Eastern Ward stays consistent with Richard Wilson returning for a second term, accompanied by Mid Canterbury local farmer Phill Everest. Much is the same for the Methven Community Board, where incumbent members Megan Fitzgerald, Richie Owens and Robin Jenkinson return - followed by new members announced in August, Simon Wareing and Faye Barrand.