Photo: RNZ
The Representation Commission has announced it will review electorate boundaries from February.
The independent commission adjusts the boundaries after each census, aiming to ensure equal representation for each seat in Parliament.
It considers existing boundaries, community groupings, and - for Māori seats - iwi affiliations.
Population changes will mean one fewer electorate in the North Island - which means the exactly boundaries of each electorate must be recalculated.
There are no other changes to the total numbers, however, with the number of South Island electorates fixed by law at 16 and the number of Māori electorates remaining unchanged at seven.
The six-month review will be led by District Court judge Kevin Kelly and nine other experts:
- Anselm Haanen, surveyor-general, Land Information New Zealand
- Vince Galvin, chief methodologist, Stats NZ
- Karl Le Quesne, chief electoral officer, Electoral Commission
- Brendan J Duffy ONZM, local government commission chairperson
- Hon Roger Sowry ONZM, government representative
- Hon Andrew Little, opposition representative
When considering the Māori electorate boundaries, the membership will also include:
- Grace Smit, deputy secretary, Te Puni Kōkiri
- Rev Dr Steven Elers, government Māori representative
- Professor Meihana Durie, opposition Māori representative
The commission will meet in February, proposed boundary changes will be consulted on from 24 March.
Final decisions on the will be revealed on 8 August.
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