Voters take an interest in West Coast councils

While voter turnout in the local body elections took a slight dip across the country interest was strong on the West Coast. In Westland District 64 percent of voters cast a ballot and in neighbouring Grey District the figure was 63 percent. Only the Chatham Islands had a higher turnout, with a 69 percent return. Bruce Smith has been reelected as the Westland District mayor, and Tania Gibson is the new mayor of the Grey District replacing the retiring Tony Kokshoorn. They spoke with Gyles Beckford