Rachel Boyack says she is humbled by the result and thanked the people of Nelson who voted for her. Photo: RNZ / Samantha Gee
A recount is likely in the Nelson electorate, where Labour's Rachel Boyack has won back the seat by a slim 29-vote margin.
A recount is likely in the Nelson electorate, where Labour's Rachel Boyack has won back the seat by a slim 29-vote margin.
National's Blair Cameron called Boyack after the final results were announced to congratulate her on her campaign and indicated he would be seeking a recount.
The preliminary results showed Cameron had won the seat with a 54-vote lead, but today's final results showed a swing back to Labour, with Boyack jumping ahead.
"Obviously I'm disappointed after a really energetic positive campaign where our volunteers put in so much work and so much effort, I was hoping for a different result but you know, that's politics.
"I think it's only fair to all the people in Nelson that we make doubly sure of it since it is such a close result so I think [a recount] is something we will be seeking just to be fair on everyone and make sure we are absolutely certain of the result."
Boyack said she was humbled by the result nonetheless and wanted to thank the people of Nelson who voted for her.
"We can't quite celebrate yet, but I am very, very hopeful that I will be able to return to the work that I love on behalf of the people of Nelson.
"A lot of people often think [Nelson] is a national seat, actually my reflection on this seat is that it was a Nick Smith seat and my goal is now to make it a Rachel Boyack seat."
Boyack and Cameron were neck and neck as votes were counted on election night, with preliminary results showing Cameron leading by 54 votes.
Boyack said she had taken a break to spend time with family in the last two weeks and put the election out of her mind, as much as she could.
"There's no doubt it is quite a nerve-wracking experience and I'd also acknowledge that for my opponent... being this close when you just don't know what will happen, that's tough.
"I do feel very, very lucky to still be holding this role after what has been a big swing against the Labour Party.
She said if the result held, she would be the only first-term Labour MP to be re-elected this year.
"A number of my very thoughtful, talented, caring colleagues will not be returning to parliament this time around and I very much hope that many of them will back in the future to continue serving New Zealand because they are wonderful people."
She was especially thankful to the outgoing Prime Minister Chris Hipkins, who had been a great support to her from when she first stood in the electorate, through into the last two weeks while awaiting the final election results.
Incoming Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said National may also seek a recount in Mount Albert.
"We've been working really hard on those battleground seats," Luxon said, and National took thousands of party votes from Labour.
Labour leader Chris Hipkins also indicated support for a recount.
He said if Peeni Henare wanted to call a recount in his seat - Tāmaki Makaurau - which had a mere margin of four votes, "he'll have my absolute support to do that".
