Tim Macindoe Photo: RNZ /Dom Thomas
Former National MP Tim Macindoe has been confirmed as the councillor for Hamilton's East ward.
The ward seat on Hamilton City Council was left empty by Ryan Hamilton, who is now a National MP.
Macindoe received 5874 votes, 3666 ahead of Leo Liu, who received 2208 votes.
Turnout was low with just 22 percent (12,475) of eligible voters going to the polls.
Macindoe will be sworn in at a council meeting on 20 February.
Hamilton City Council chief executive Lance Vervoort said the timing of the by-election, with the holiday season and tertiary term, were all factors which likely impacted voter turnout.
"This by-election was triggered when Cr Ryan Hamilton was elected to parliament in October, so the timing was challenging - we were required by law to hold the final voting day no earlier than 17 February.
"There's also a nationwide trend toward lower voter turnout in local elections."
Macindoe, who was in Parliament for 12 years, left the National party in 2020.