A District Court judge has today declined a request for a recount of votes for the Gore District Mayoralty.

The recount had been sought by Tracy Hicks, who lost the mayoralty in October’s election by eight votes to Team Hokonui candidate Ben Bell.

At 23 years of age, Bell becomes New Zealand’s youngest ever mayor.

"The judge’s decision means the Gore District Council’s statutory meeting to swear in the mayor and councillors for the new triennium will be held next week," a council spokesperson said.

Gore District Chief Executive Stephen Parry has to give at least seven days notice of the meeting.