1977 Christchurch mayoral election

The 1977 Christchurch mayoral election was part of the New Zealand local elections held that same year. In 1977, 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.

1977 Christchurch mayoral election

8 October 1977
Turnout	45,206 (44.95%)
Candidate Hamish Hay Alex Clark Party Citizens' Labour Popular vote 24,018 17,218 Percentage 53.13 38.08
Mayor before election Hamish Hay Elected Mayor Hamish Hay

Background

Sitting mayor Hamish Hay was re-elected for a second term, defeating Labour Party challenger Alex Clark. Despite retaining the mayoralty the Citizens' Association lost ground on the city council however, resulting in the composition of the council at ten seats to nine in favour of the Labour Party.[1]

Results

The following table gives the election results:

1977 Christchurch mayoral election[2]

Party		Candidate	Votes	%	±
	Citizens'	Hamish Hay	24,018	53.13	+3.94
	Labour	Alex Clark	17,218	38.08
	Values	Peter Heal	3,456	7.64
	Independent	Tubby Hansen	251	0.55	-0.02
Informal votes			263	0.58	+0.01
Majority			6,800	15.04	+11.82
Turnout			45,206	44.95	-16.05

Ward results

Candidates were also elected from wards to the Christchurch City Council.[1]

	Party/ticket	Councillors
	Labour	10
	Citizens'	9

References

1. "Council Results". The Press. 10 October 1977. p. 2.
2. "Mayoralty voting". The Press. 10 October 1977. p. 1.