More than 36,000 votes have been counted for the local elections in Hawke's Bay, with three days of voting still to go.
Tararua voters are leading the pack, with 40 per cent of ballots returned.
The returns are well above the 32 per cent counted at the same stage in the 2007
elections.
The guarantee of a new mayor, with incumbent Maureen Reynolds standing down, may have sparked new interest in the Tararua race this year.
Last year, 47 per cent of votes were returned in the district, a total likely to be surpassed by Saturday. But the Central Hawke's Bay district - which posted one of the highest turnouts at 57 per cent last election - would need a last-minute push to reach that level again.
This morning just over 39 per cent of ballots were returned, under the tally for the same time in 2007.
In Hastings and Napier 30 per cent of papers were in - 15,000 votes in Hastings and 12,300 in Napier.
Hastings votes were well ahead of 2007 levels and likely to better the 41 per cent turnout.
In the Havelock North ward 33 per cent of votes were in, while Flaxmere votes returned just 23 per cent.
Napier returns were at a similar level to the last election, which saw a 45 per cent turnout. Taradale ward had the highest returns, but Nelson Park was lagging behind at 24 per cent.
Postal votes must be mailed today to make sure they are counted in time. However, votes can be hand-delivered to council offices until noon on Saturday.
