Election 26: National leads in Ilam

At 73.3% of votes counted, National's Hamish Campbell looks to take the Ilam electorate for yet another term. 

Campbell is sitting at 15,027 votes, 5,632 counts ahead of Labour's Rata Jamieson, who is currently sitting at 9,395. 

Campbell told MetroNews that "it's been a huge honor and privilege to be the MP of Ilam". 

He was happy to see they are polling ahead and reveals he does not think it was too much of a surprise, referring back to some of the previous polls. 

Meanwhile, Jamieson says she is so honored to "have so many people put their faith in me". She appreciates all the support that she has gotten throughout her campaign. 

National is leading by a small margin for Ilam's party vote, ahead of Labour by 9.59%. 

Following in third is Green party's Mike Davidson. He shares that his focus has been on the party vote and is pleased with the outcome. Across the country the results have been "absolutely amazing for the Green Party".