The farm vet who had a t-shirt made up for the campaign trail encouraging people to vote - preferably for him - is Central Otago District’s newest councillor.

With the final count completed on Wednesday, Andrew Dowling received 1,226 votes - 323 votes ahead of the next-placed candidate in the Vincent ward by-election.

Andrew told The Central App he wants to continue the visibility from his campaign into his new role.

“I intend to be an active councillor, getting out and about in the community,” he said.

He plans to attend local markets and events, business gatherings, and community group meetings, and advertise in advance where residents can find him.

“I might still need my t-shirt so people recognise me and know that they can come up and talk about issues,” he said.

Listening, he said, would be one of the strengths he brings to the council.

“I am good at listening to both sides to break down what the main points from each are, so we can clarify what we are discussing to help make sure everyone feels listened to and understands those major points,” he said.

Central Otago's newest councillor: a PGG Wrightson vet with 'a knack for getting things done'. Image: Supplied

Asked what stood out while campaigning, Andrew said cost pressures were front of mind for many.

“The increasing rates and water bills are on people’s minds and they want to know they are getting value from this money - are the council spending it well and are the prices going to continue to rise,” he said.

Andrew works for PGG Wrightson, grew up on a Central Otago sheep farm, and moved to Alexandra three years ago.

He is a keen outdoor enthusiast and the president of Mountain Bikers of Alexandra.

As for balancing council responsibilities with family, community and work life, he said, “I’ll let you know next year how the balance is”.

Andrew will be sworn in at a full council meeting scheduled for March 25 in Ranfurly.

Voting in the three-way by-election closed on Monday.

A total of 3,033 ballot papers were returned across the Vincent ward, representing 36.44 per cent of eligible to voters.

Only 10 votes separated the two other candidates - former senior council staffer Louise van der Voort finished with 903 votes and business owner Nat Jamieson with 893.

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

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