A major talking point in the lead-up to the election was the potential of a clash with the 1953 Royal Tour.

[1] There were proposals to postpone local elections until early 1954 over fears of reduced turnout due to a conflicting schedule.

The proposals were considered by the Minister of Internal Affairs William Bodkin, who ultimately decided against it.

[2] The one-term incumbent mayor Brian Hewat sought another term but was defeated for the position in a challenge from three-term Invercargill Borough Councillor Adam Adamson.

The following table gives the election results: This New Zealand election-related article is a stub.