Time's up for voters to have their say in this year's local body elections

The polls have closed and the votes are being counted for who runs the towns, cities, districts, local boards and DHBs around the country.

Yet again, voter turnout looks to be very low.

Latest figures in Auckland show just over 31 percent of eligible voters have exercised their democratic right.

Dunedin and Gisborne are among a number of areas certain to get a new mayor.

Early results are expected to become clear in the next couple of hours.