As the nation waits to see who will form New Zealand's next government, with party vote share bringing National and Labour neck-and-neck, incumbent Kaikōura MP Stuart Smith is assured that the "democratic process" will run its course and a stable government can be formed.
"We saw uncertainty after the 2023 election as well, particularly around whether New Zealand’s first three-party coalition could work. I think we demonstrated that it could," he says.
Stuart is heading into his fifth term as Kaikōura electorate after comfortably winning Saturday's election, finishing 8,018 votes ahead of nearest challenger Labour's Matt Flight.
Supporters at Stuart's election party at Biddy Kate's Cafe and Pub on Saturday night said there was "never any doubt" he would retain the seat.
The result reinforces the electorate's 'true blue' reputation, with Kaikōura having been held by the National Party since its formation 30 years ago.
Stuart declared victory at 10.15pm, when he was ahead by more than 7,800 votes with 90% of the count completed.
Addressing supporters gathered at the venue, he thanked friends, family and campaign volunteers for their support.
"To have the people of Kaikōura re-elect me has been a great privilege."
Reflecting on the uncertainty around the formation of the next government, he said:
“We don't know what the final result is going to be. Whatever it is, it will be, and we'll make the most of it. And so, just rest assured that I will work as hard for Kaikōura in the next term as I have in the previous four.
"Ultimately I'm here for you."
He also acknowledged widespread election sign vandalism during the campaign, describing it as the worst he had experienced.
"There has been a lot of vandalism, unlike any other campaign we've had, and it's been quite a job to keep on top of that. We've had a whole lot stolen."
Labour candidate Matt Flight said he was disappointed by the result and had expected his campaign to gain more ground.
"I did really genuinely hope and expect to get a lot higher than we did. But you know, the realisation is we are in a very very strong blue seat. Changing that opinion is a battle."
Matt said he still sensed changing attitudes in some parts of the electorate.
"We definitely got to Amberley a lot more than we had previous years.
"There's definitely a feel of a change out there."
His immediate future remained uncertain, he explained, as he prepares to close his business, Marlborough Appliance Repairs, this week due to high fuel and operating costs.
New Zealand First candidate Jamie Arbuckle received 5,376 votes, or 14.8 percent of the electorate vote. The party secured 9.8 percent of the party vote nationally, earning 12 seats in Parliament.
Jamie, who was 13th on the party list, said a return to Parliament remained possible but would depend on the final party vote once special votes were counted.
"Firstly, I'm really, really proud of the Kaikōura result. That's our highest result ever.
"The overall New Zealand First vote, obviously, there's some disappointment. I think we thought we would probably poll a little bit better than that.
"There's still a pathway that's live for me to enter Parliament, but a lot of circumstances have to go my way for that to happen and, obviously, the special votes need to be counted."
Despite falling short of an electorate win, Jamie said the party's strongest-ever result in Kaikōura reflected growing support in the electorate.
