Wayne Brown has claimed victory in the Auckland mayoralty race today as the first progress results for dozens of local councils start coming in.

Brown is leading the mayoralty race with 144,619 votes, ahead of Efeso Collins by 54,808 votes. This progress result reflects about 85 to 90 per cent of votes counted after voting closed at midday today.

In a statement, Brown said the number one issue was transport, closely followed by crime, unfinished projects and endless red cones, rising costs and council waste."There is a mandate for change and my job as Mayor is to lead it."

Progress results show Tim Shadbolt losing heavily in Invercargill, with former deputy mayor Nobby Clark winning the top job in Invercargill, with broadcaster Marcus Lush conceding in a tweet.

Results also show Rangitikei Mayor Andy Watson has won his fourth term in office, while Neil Brown has been re-elected Mayor of Ashburton by a large majority. Nigel Bowen looks to be re-elected as Timaru mayor and Kirsten Wise will return as Napier mayor for a second term.