Louise Evans has been elected to the ILT Board, after voting in the by-election closed at midday today.

Progress results show Ms Evans is the successful candidate with 2942 votes out of the 8261 votes which have been counted thus far.

ILT Chief Executive Chris Ramsay said he had personally called each of the candidates to notify them of the results.

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"I have congratulated Louise on her successful campaign, and I, along with the rest of the ILT family, am looking forward to welcoming her to our team," he said.

"It’s an exciting time for ILT, and we’re sure Louise will enjoy being part of a bright future for Invercargill which ILT is proud to have a hand in."

Deputy Electoral Officer Michael Morris said with 97% of the votes counted, Ms Evans received approximately 1,300 more votes than the next highest-polling candidate.

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"Despite some votes still needing to be counted, including 35 special votes as well as 223 votes dropped into ballot boxes today, the margin between Ms Evans and the next highest-polling

candidate is larger than the amount of votes left to count," Morris said.

The return rate thus far has been 25.52 per cent of eligible voters.

Final confirmation of results, which will include special votes, will be made in the coming days.

Here's her election candidate statement:

I work in innovation, accelerating growth in emerging businesses. I’m tech-savvy and turn problems into ideas worth talking about. I’ve created strategy for global brands and local legends, and will use

these same talents for the good of our community.

Invercargill deserves a vibrant city like any other. One to attract and engage the next generation.

We’re fortunate to have the ILT, an organisation ‘For Our Community,’ but we need to bring that purpose to life – channelling funding to enhance the culture; supporting staff to inspire excellence;

and showcasing local fare on menus. It’s time for change.

I’m 33. Decisions this board make impact my life, and the culture of the city I’ve chosen to return to.

Senior directors have their place, but as our city evolves it’s necessary to have another perspective.

I’m here to offer diversity of thought, more fun, respect for manaakitanga, and innovative change.

Vote Lou.