The mayor says 34 people have applied for the chief executive's job at Tauranga City Council, with 34 applications.
In October the council agreed to advertise the role instead of automatically reappointing chief executive Garry Poole, who earns $356,000 a year, when his five-year contract ends next month.
Mr Poole said he would reapply for the role.
Advertisements appeared in early February and applications closed on February 26.
According to a published timeline prepared by the recruitment company hired to handle finding someone for the role, Sheffield, this week the council was due to agree a shortlist of candidates.
