Bay local body election returns sitting low

Tauranga City Council returns sit at just 33.02 per cent, with just 29,928 people returning their votes as of yesterday.

Tauranga City Council local body election returns sit at just 33.02 per cent, with just 29,928 people returning their votes as of yesterday.

This is compared with 32.03 per cent in 2013, 34.26 per cent in 2010 and 38.21 per cent in 2007 at the same point.

Western Bay of Plenty District Council voting returns are higher than the last two elections.

Community Relationships Manager Frank Begley said as of Wednesday night, the returns were sitting at 29.41 per cent.

This was compared to the 2013 election which sat at 26.5 per cent at the same point, and 28.3 per cent in 2010.

"While we'd obviously like this number to be even higher it's pleasing to see this trend and we hope it continues through to Saturday," he said.