Radio New Zealand - Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa

Surge in voting closes Auckland mayoralty race

Updated at 8:50 pm on 5 October 2010

The race for the Auckland super city mayoralty could be closing, with a surge in voting by those in wealthier areas.

The biggest rise in votes counted on Tuesday has come from the large Howick and Orakei areas which are considered more likely to favour John Banks.

The turnout in those areas has risen by 8% to 9%, to pull ahead of the South Auckland suburbs considered a stronghold for his rival Len Brown.

Overall, Auckland's turnout has reached almost 34%, nearly 10% up on the last election.

The strongest showing among the big suburbs is now Orakei on 39.3%.

Wednesday is the last day to safely put postal votes in the mail before the close of polling at midday on Saturday.

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