With general elections expected in 2026, the electoral boundaries for Parliament are being reviewed. After each census, the Representation Commission reviews and adjusts electorate boundaries to adjust to changes in population.
Regularly adjusting the electorate boundaries makes sure each electorate has about the same number of people. This gives all New Zealanders equal representation in Parliament.
Enshrined in law is a requirement for the South Island to have 16 electorates. To make it fair, the North Island electorates are adjusted to have the same population. Using the latest population data, the number of general electorates in the North Island reduces from 49 to 48.
What does this mean for East Auckland?
Within the Howick Local Board area, we currently have Pakuranga, Botany, and Takaaini (with Papakura and Panmure-Ōtāhuhu close by). While boundaries between local and central government don’t have to match, it does make it simpler.
Under the proposal, there are some local changes for the general electorates (non for Māori seats):
Cockle Bay moves from Botany to Pakuranga
Mission Heights moves from Takanini to Botany
Whitford, Beachlands and Maraetai move from Papakura to Botany
Parts of Flat Bush (west of Ormiston) moves to Ōtāhuhu
There is no perfect answer to making these boundaries work, but it is important to get them right. Personally, I’m worried about the impact on Flat Bush which is being carved up into three different electorates. If the changes go ahead as proposed, you’ll be able to stand at the corner of the Ormiston Town Centre and be on the boundary of three electorates - shouldn’t a town centre be at the centre?
You can have your say on the proposed electorate boundaries and names - the first round closes on Sunday 27 April.
You can find out more, including how to have your say here: https://vote.nz/boundary-review/
