In 2013 the number of electorates in New Zealand and our electorate boundaries will be reviewed by a statutory body called the Representation Commission.
The Representation Commission is an independent body convened every five years following the census and Māori Electoral Option.
The Electoral Commission, Statistics NZ and LINZ have agreed an indicative timetable for determining the electorate boundaries for the 2014 and 2017 general elections that meets the requirements of the Electoral Act 1993. The final timetable will be a matter for the Representation Commission to determine, subject to relevant statutory deadlines.
Before the Representation Commission can meet, appointments of members to represent the Government and Opposition on the Commission are required. The Minister of Justice will consult with Government and Opposition political parties in due course over proposed appointments to the Commission.
The indicative timetable would see the Representation Commission begin work in early October 2013, with the number of general and Māori electorates for the 2014 and 2017 elections being announced at this time. The indicative timetable anticipates the Representation Commission will release proposed boundaries in November 2013, and issue its final report (including final electorate boundaries) in April 2014.
Follow the links to read more about Electorates, Electorate boundaries and review, and the Representation Commission.