1974 Christchurch mayoral election

The 1974 Christchurch mayoral election was part of the New Zealand local elections held that same year. In 1974, election were held for the Mayor of Christchurch plus other local government positions. The polling was conducted using the standard first-past-the-post electoral method.

1974 Christchurch mayoral election

12 October 1974
Turnout	54,718 (61.00%)
Candidate Hamish Hay Neville Pickering Party Citizens' Labour Popular vote 26,919 25,154 Percentage 49.19 45.97
Mayor before election Neville Pickering Elected Mayor Hamish Hay

Background

Sitting mayor Neville Pickering was defeated by Citizens' councillor Hamish Hay in a closely fought race with a large turnout. Pickering actually increased his poll but the increased voter turnout favoured Hay leading The Press to state the result was out of increased interest rather than a swing of public opinion.[1] It was the second consecutive election that an incumbent mayor had been defeated. The Citizens' Association regained their majority on the city council too, resulting in the composition of the council at eleven seats to eight.[2]

Results

The following table gives the election results:

1974 Christchurch mayoral election[3]

Party		Candidate	Votes	%	±
	Citizens'	Hamish Hay	26,919	49.19
	Labour	Neville Pickering	25,154	45.97	-4.94
	Values	Gerald Williams	2,013	3.67
	Independent	Tubby Hansen	317	0.57	-0.67
Informal votes			315	0.57	-0.25
Majority			1,765	3.22
Turnout			54,718	61.00	+4.43

Ward results

Candidates were also elected from wards to the Christchurch City Council.[2]

	Party/ticket	Councillors
	Citizens'	11
	Labour	8

References

1. "Cr Hay to be new Mayor after high poll ousts Labour". The Press. CXIV (33664). 14 October 1974.
2. "Citizens' Assn captures City Council, 11-8". The Press. CXIV (33664). 14 October 1974.
3. "Mayoral voting". The Press. CXIV (33664). 14 October 1974.