Victor Luca wins Eastern Bay of Plenty by-election with 3,491 votes

Independent candidate Victor Luca has been declared elected to the Bay of Plenty Regional Council, finishing 1,459 votes ahead of Toi Iti in the final count. The by-election was held following the unexpected death of Councillor Malcolm Campbell.

Victor Luca has won the Eastern Bay of Plenty General Constituency seat on the Bay of Plenty Regional Council, securing 3,491 votes in the by-election that closed on Friday, 25 September 2026.

The final result, announced on Monday, 28 September, confirms Luca's election to the seat left vacant by the unexpected death of Councillor Malcolm Campbell.

Five candidates contested the vacancy. Toi Iti finished second with 2,032 votes, followed by Jessica Sneha Gray with 894, Dayle Hunia with 804 and Richard Collins with 516.

Final election results

Source: Bay of Plenty Regional Council, final by-election declaration, 28 September 2026.

Luca received approximately 45.1% of the votes cast for candidates. Iti received approximately 26.3%.

The difference between the two candidates was 1,459 votes.

The council reported a voter return of 31.74%, with 7,783 voting papers returned.

Luca to join council in October

Luca previously served as a Whakatāne District councillor from 2019 to 2022 and as mayor from 2022 to 2025. He also has a background in scientific research, including environmental and resource management.

His election fills one of the Eastern Bay of Plenty General Constituency's two seats. Sarah van der Boom holds the other seat following the 2025 local elections.

The regional council's responsibilities include freshwater management, coastal and land management, public transport, biosecurity and flood protection.

Declaration ceremony set for 12 October

The council has scheduled a declaration ceremony for councillor-elect Luca at the beginning of its meeting on Monday, 12 October, at 9.30am, at the regional council office in Whakatāne.

The ceremony will formally mark his election following the by-election.

Source: Bay of Plenty Regional Council, final election result, 28 September 2026.