Voting has closed in the three-yearly local government elections being held around the country.
Postal ballots had to be returned by noon today.
Returning officers predict they will be counting fewer votes than in the 1998 elections.
In Auckland, the response rate is expected to be around 44 per cent, down from 52 per cent in 1998.
Wellington is also down, from 46 per cent to 43 per cent.
First results are expected by mid afternoon, and will be available at:
Local body elections 2001
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