Incumbent mayor Rob Scott appears to be Southland App readers' current preferred choice for the next Southland District mayor, after a recent 7-day spot poll.

App readers were asked to choose between Southland District mayoral hopefuls Wendy Joy Baker - a past mayoral contender, Rob Scott - the current mayor, and Gary Tong - a former district mayor.

729 readers voted, with 64.5% choosing Rob Scott, 18.2% choosing Gary Tong and 2.7% choosing Wendy Joy Baker. 14.5% of readers who voted didn't know who they preferred.

The poll was an independent, unofficial survey conducted by Advocate Communications Ltd. It was not commissioned, endorsed, or administered by any council, electoral authority, or candidate. Results were for informational purposes only and may not reflect the outcome of the official election.

All ratepayers should receive their official voting papers between 9th and 22nd September, with voting closing at midday on 11th October.

While provisional results may be announced earlier, final results will be declared between 16th and 22nd October.