Mr Hawkins will draw strong support, but will it outweigh the combined preferences of those reluctant to back a Green former mayor? If Mr Whiley or Mr Stedman emerges after the iterations, there’s an irony: both are seen as "pragmatic/business-aligned", yet many in the business community still pine for the old first-past-the-post (FPP). In several mayoral races, Cr Vandervis polled strongly on first preferences but faded as others were eliminated and their votes transferred elsewhere. Civis sees a similar pattern emerging: Mr Hawkins may lead the early iterations, only to be overtaken later. Mr Hawkins is the best-known figure, but Mr Stedman has had a term on the council and those notable endorsements.

Source: Otago Daily Times April 10, 2026 23:03 UTC