Wendy Schollum claims Hastings mayoralty as vote count nears completion

Sunday 12 October 2025 · 3 outlets · 4 reports · updated Mon 13 Oct 2025, 12:35pm

In this story Wendy Schollum, Marcus Buddo

Wendy Schollum has claimed victory in the Hastings mayoral race. She leads rival Marcus Buddo by 545 votes with 95 per cent of the count completed. Buddo has not yet conceded defeat as the final results are awaited.

How they headlined it

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Sun 10:38am12:13pmMon 12:35pm

1. RNZSun 12 Oct 2025, 10:38am

   Wendy Schollum claims Hastings mayoralty with 3000 votes left to count (opens in new tab)

2. StuffSun 12 Oct 2025, 11:01am

   Wendy Schollum claims Hastings mayoralty, rival yet to concede (opens in new tab)

3. NZ HeraldSun 12 Oct 2025, 12:13pm

   Hastings mayoral front‑runner Wendy Schollum ‘cautiously optimistic’ on result (opens in new tab)

   • Local elections 2025: Wendy Schollum new Hastings Mayor as last-minute voters extend her lead (opens in new tab) Mon 13 Oct 2025, 12:35pm