Lower Hutt elects New Zealand's youngest ever mayor, Campbell Barry

Saturday, 12 October 2019

Campbell Barry has become New Zealand's youngest ever mayor. 

The 28-year-old took the crown when he won the Hutt City mayoralty over incumbent of nine years, Ray Wallace.

Barry took the title from former-prime minister Norman Kirk who became mayor of Kaiapoi in 1953, aged 30. When Nick Leggett won the Porirua mayoralty in 2010 he became the youngest mayor of a city, aged 31.

Asked what he thought about becoming the youngest mayor in the country Barry said he'd never really thought about it, age never played a part in his race for mayoralty.

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'I've been told [if I was to win] that would be the case. It's going to have to sink in.

'The campaign has never been about age. I guess it's just an interesting fact. You're there to represent the entire constituency.'

He thanked voters for backing him.

'I love Lower Hutt and the people out here, and I'm excited to now be in a position to service as their Mayor. What matters to them is transport, the environment and the Naenae pool. We ran our campaign on those issues and that's what people voted for.'

Labour-endorsed Barry was a city councillor for six-years and toppled the former mayor on Saturday by 1958 votes.

Wallace won the 2016 mayoral race by more than 18,000 votes. This year Wallace received 11,462 votes.

Wallace said he was 'naturally devastated'.

'The odds were against me, but I had hoped to pull through for one more term.

'I've already congratulated Campbell Barry and offered my assistance to ensure there is a smooth transition.'

Wallace said he and his wife would take a short break before looking around what the future might hold.