Both TV transmissions in New Zealand have now ceased for the night but counting is continuing....
The Greens have lost Coromandel and on 4.82% remain agonisingly close to electoral oblivion.
In the end Murray McLean kept Coromandel – for another three years on top of the 50 National have already held the seat. His majority of 417 looks special vote proof. And the Greens will not be happy about the 4000 odd votes won by Labour Candidate Margaret Hawkeswood.
Labour and the Alliance still make it comfortably into the treasury benches with Labour’s vote rising in the closing hours to close to 39%.
With 63 seats Labour and the Alliance have a clear majority.