National Party candidate Dana Kirkpatrick is leading in election race for the East Coast seat with 13,015 votes.

With 77.5 per cent of the vote counted, or 29.416 votes, Dana has a current margin of 2,972, with second candidate Labour’s Tamati Coffey on 10,043 votes.

The National Party is leading with 38.52 per cent of the party vote, and the Labour Party has 28.63 per cent of the party vote.

Labour party candidate Tamati Coffey in Gisborne on election night. Photo: Supplied.

Experienced Gisborne-based executive and communications professional Dana Kirkpatrick says she has seen "firsthand the strength and resilience of people on the East Coast.

"“I’ve spent the time since we were struck by Cyclone Gabrielle supporting our communities. Advocating for our region’s recovery remains my first priority and my thoughts are with everyone across the East Coast and Hawke’s Bay who are still coming to grips with what they’ve lost," says Dana.

“People on the East Coast are already struggling with a cost-of-living crisis, with inflation running wild, mortgage repayments going through the roof and the cost of filling up the shopping trolley climbing higher and higher. I’m standing for National because our people deserve a different approach, especially at a time like this."