At least 40 percent of the elected mayors are new, after the elections reveal a lean to the centre right candidates.

University of Auckland politics professor Lara Greaves told Morning Report it follows the polling trends where labour and independent candidates aren't pulling in the support.

And the Far North Mayoralty is proving to be one of those really close races.

Former deputy mayor Ann Court was initially announced winner from preliminary results.

But after special votes were counted 31-year-old former councillor Moko Tepania took the lead.

Sam Olley is in Te Tai Tokerau and spoke to Māni Dunlop.