Tauranga's National Party candidate Simon Bridges has joined his party faithful as they settle in for the wait at Number 1 The Strand.
"It's always surprisingly nerve-raking. Elections are always interesting. It's like being in the twilight zone," he said.
The early results were promising but he was not ready to celebrate yet."Until you get those really bit centres counted it's very hard to tell.
"National's Tauranga electorate vice chair Jennifer Glausiuss and her husband and electorate secretary Peter Glausiuss were taking the chance to dress up and celebrate after months of hard work.
"It's a great occasion. It's a party," Mr Glausiuss said.Labour Party candidate Rachel Jones is awaiting the results with family and friends at the Greerton RSA.