Napier electorate expanded to take communities from Tukituki electorate

Napier National MP Katie Nimon says she is thrilled to see new communities added to the electorate. Photo / Warren Buckland

The Napier electorate will be expanded for the next general election in 2026, gaining some communities that are currently part of the Tukituki electorate.

That includes the likes of Pākōwhai, Waiohiki, Fernhill, Ōmahu and rural areas such as Crownthorpe and Sherenden, which will all switch to the Napier electorate.

It was initially proposed the Napier electorate – currently held by National MP Katie Nimon – would be expanded to include some communities north of Gisborne.

However, that will no longer happen following objections. Instead, the Napier electorate will gain areas from Tukituki.

The boundary has essentially shifted south from the Tūtaekurī River to the Ngaruroro River.

The Representation Commission’s boundary review has taken on board population data from the latest Census.

Adjusting the electorate boundaries makes sure each electorate has about the same number of people.

The new boundary between the Napier and Tukituki electorates.

The old boundary between the Napier and Tukituki electorates.

Nimon welcomed the changes.

“It’s fantastic to see the final electorate boundaries confirmed and I’m thrilled to welcome several rural communities from Tukituki into the Napier electorate.

“These areas bring a proud identity, community spirit, and unique local challenges and I’m looking forward to spending time in each of them to ensure everyone’s voices are heard.”

Meanwhile, there is a boundary change between Māori electorates Te Tai Tonga and Ikaroa-Rāwhiti.

Ikaroa-Rāwhiti gains an area in Lower Hutt and its eastern bays area, but its boundary is unchanged around Hawke’s Bay.

The Representation Commission’s boundary review was finalised on Friday, with electorate boundaries and names locked in for the next general election.

Nineteen electorates are unchanged across the country, and the boundaries of 49 general and three Māori electorates have been adjusted.

“We were heartened that so many people took an active interest in this important work. The many public contributions were invaluable,” Judge Kevin Kelly, chair of the Representation Commission, said.

The final electorate boundaries and names will be used for the next general election. Any byelections held before that election will be conducted using the 2020 electorate boundaries.

Gary Hamilton-Irvine is a Hawke’s Bay-based reporter who covers a range of news topics including business, councils, breaking news and cyclone recovery. He formerly worked at News Corp Australia.