With approximately 90% of the votes counted, the race for Southland district’s mayoralty is too close to call.

Incumbent Mayor Gary Tong leads by just 21 votes from Geoffrey Young, with Rob Scott a close third a further six votes back.

Southland District Council governance legal manager Robyn Rout said the progress result did not include some special votes and votes returned today that are still in transit to the processing centre, meaning the outcome of elections may change once all votes have been counted.

However, she said: “It’s been great to see the large number of people putting their names forward, meaning elections were required in most cases. We’re pleased, too, that the voter turnout is higher than for the previous election.”

Preliminary results are expected to be announced on Sunday morning.

Mayor votes

TONG, Gary 2,244

YOUNG, Geoffrey 2,223

SCOTT, Rob 2,217

PICKETT, Kirsty (We're better together) 1,528

BYARS, Don 584

BAKER, Wendy Joy Independent 198

INFORMAL 19

BLANK VOTING PAPERS 95

Mararoa Waimea Ward (3 vacancies) votes

SCOTT, Rob 1,819

GREANEY, Sarah 1,700

WILSON, Matt Independent 779

O'BRIEN, Tom 545

CHERNISHOV, Stevey 241

INFORMAL 0

BLANK VOTING PAPERS 142

Waiau Aparima Ward (3 vacancies) votes

CHAMBERLAIN, Derek John 1,212

BYARS, Don 785

BOPARAI, Jaspreet 749

MCCALL, Robin Independent 688

WEUSTEN, Michael John Independent 664

HOLIDAY, Troy Independent 463

MARNANE, Gemma 328

WALKER, Tammy 153

LAWRENCE, Gene Independent 145

INFORMAL 6

BLANK VOTING PAPERS 120

Oreti Ward (3 vacancies) votes

RUDDENKLAU, Margie 1,676

MENZIES, Christine 1,521

FRAZER, Darren 1,473

ALLAN, Katie Independent 1,056

BAKER, Wendy Joy Independent 256

INFORMAL 4

BLANK VOTING PAPERS 70

Stewart Island/Rakiura Ward (1 vacancy) votes

SPRAGGON, Jon 98

JOY, Aaron Independent 56

HERZHOFF, Ulrike 50

INFORMAL 0

BLANK VOTING PAPERS 3