Former Whakatāne mayor Victor Luca has become the Bay of Plenty Regional Council representative for the Eastern Bay after taking a commanding lead in the constituency byelection.

Results released yesterday show Luca secured 3491 votes, ahead of nearest rival Toi Iti on 2032 votes. Jessica Sneha Gray received 894 votes, Dayle Hunia 804 and Richard Collins 516, according to the council’s website.

A Whakatāne-born scientist with a PhD in chemistry, Luca spent much of his career in environmental and energy research in New Zealand, Australia and the United States before entering local government.

He served as a Whakatāne District councillor from 2019 to 2022 before becoming mayor from 2022 to 2025.

Bay of Plenty Regional Council chief executive Fiona McTavish congratulated Luca on his result and said his local government experience would be an asset.

“Victor brings valuable local government experience to the role, and we look forward to working with him,” McTavish said.

“It’s also encouraging to see voters engaging in the democratic process and having their say on who will represent the Eastern Bay of Plenty community.”

Bay of Plenty Regional Council chief executive Fiona McTavish. Photo / George Novak

McTavish also thanked all five candidates who stood for election during a period of significant change for local government in New Zealand.

The byelection was triggered by the death of councillor Malcolm Campbell and will determine who serves the remainder of the 2025-28 council term representing the Eastern Bay general constituency.

A total of 7783 votes were received, representing a voter turnout of 31.74%.

The final count recorded 31 informal votes and 15 blank voting papers.

Residents can view the latest results on the Bay of Plenty Regional Council elections website.