Rural professional Andrew Dowling has won the Vincent ward by-election, securing a seat on the Central Otago District Council.

The result was confirmed at approximately 1.30pm on Tuesday (March 3), with Andrew securing 1,164 votes, finishing 300 votes ahead of his nearest rival.

A total of 2,882 votes were cast across the ward, representing a voter turnout of approximately 35 per cent.

The result is based on close to 90 per cent of the votes returned being counted, and it does not include special votes or votes returned on Tuesday and still in transit.

The by-election drew three candidates, with Andrew standing against former senior council staffer Louise van der Voort and business owner Nat Jamieson, who were separated by just 21 votes.

It was triggered shortly after October's local elections, when newly elected councillor Dave McKenzie resigned after an invoicing issue from his time as a council contractor resurfaced.

Louise, a repeat campaigner, was the first candidate to miss out on election in October, narrowly missing out to Dave.

Andrew earlier told The Central App meeting residents across the ward had been a highlight of his campaign.

“I’m having a great time chatting with people, learning as much about them as they do about me,” he said.

Vincent ward candidates, from left Andrew Dowling, Louise van der Voort and Nat Jamieson. Image: The Central App

He described himself as someone who can "listen to all sides, make decisions that best suit our community and then get things done".

He said he was brought up in Ranfurly and had lived in many rural communities before moving to Alexandra three years ago as a veterinarian with PGG Wrightson.

The council has operated one councillor short since its inaugural meeting for the new triennium following October’s elections.

Andrew is expected to step straight into work on the council’s next Long Term Plan, alongside the establishment of the joint council-owned water services entity Southern Waters, and within the wider context of Resource Management Act overhaul and broader local government reform.

By-election results:

Andrew Dowling: 1,164 votes

Louise van der Voort: 864 votes

Nat Jamieson: 843 votes

Final results will be made public on Wednesday.

Read more: What Vincent ward candidates told business voters and The race for Vincent: Your candidates, their words

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