Ballot boxes are closed and city, district and regional council candidates are awaiting results.

The 2010 local government elections closed at midday, with preliminary results expected to be known on Saturday afternoon.

The Tauranga City Council results are anticipated to be known early in the afternoon, between 1-2pm.

The Western Bay District Council progress report is anticipated to be known between 3-4pm, with preliminary results expected between 7-9pm.

The Bay of Plenty Regional Council results are anticipated to be known at about 3pm.

The votes are being counted in Christchurch and the results given on Saturday will not include special votes.

SunLive is bringing live coverage of the results including written analysis, film and photographs as they unfold on Saturday afternoon.

Keep checking SunLive to keep up with the latest in local government election results in the Western Bay of Plenty.