On the streets in Central Hawke's Bay today the feeling is that although it will be a close call the outcome of this afternoon's amalgamation vote tally-up may see the "no" vote succeed.
Waipukurau businessman Hans Dresel predicted it would be a 58 to 42 per cent ratio against the proposal in the final tally-up.
He said he voted against the proposal, and his motivation was to demonstrate that such a system change should be driven by the people themselves.
"You can't enforce these things on a community - if the call for amalgamation came from the grassroots it would be perfect."
If the proposal was defeated, he said that was a signal that local body politicians should use the current system to work more collaboratively.
Other comments from the street:
• "It's too close to call, but with the big turnout I have a feeling the no vote might get it. The people who are not too fussed either way would not have bothered voting."
• "I have so little faith in our political masters - they don't listen to people, and will do what they want anyway - look at the flag issue."
• "I think it's a bit hard to pick - I'm quite surprised at the high voter turnout but don't know what way it's going to go."
• "I think it's going to be very close, but I think the CHB and Wairoa votes could damn it."
• "I'm 99.9 per cent sure the vote will go against amalgamation."
CHB voters poised for 'close call'
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