Representation review pānui 2 / 2028

This pānui covers:

• Population estimates
• Decisions on electoral systems and Māori wards and constituencies
• Webinar on how New Zealand's Parliamentary electorate boundaries are drawn

Population estimates

Population estimates as at 30 June 2026 for subnational areas, including wards, constituencies, local board areas, communities and subdivisions, will be released on 29 October 2026. The Commission will receive breakdowns by the Māori Electoral Population (MEP) and General Electoral Population (GEP) shortly after that.

Populations for existing electoral areas along with membership to population ratios will be available on our website shortly after we have received the MEP and GEP data.

Decisions on electoral systems and Māori wards and constituencies

Councils have until 12 September 2026 to make decisions to change electoral systems and establish or dis-establish Māori wards and constituencies (except where a poll on either of these matters has been held affecting one or both of the next two elections).

We would be grateful if you could advise us whether your council has made a decision about either of these matters, whether or not there has been a change. Details can be sent to lgc@lgc.govt.nz

Webinar: How New Zealand's Parliamentary Electorate Boundaries Are Drawn

Jeff Needham, Deputy Surveyor-General, and Ian Harrison, Senior Geospatial Specialist at Land Information New Zealand (LINZ), will give an online presentation on how the Representation Commission determines New Zealand's parliamentary electorate boundaries. This will provide useful context for council staff involved in local government representation reviews.

Like local government electoral boundaries, parliamentary electorates must comply with a statistical population quota (within ±5% of the electoral quota). In addition, the Representation Commission must also consider factors such as communities of interest when establishing electorate boundaries.

Jeff and Ian will explain how GIS and redistricting tools were used during the most recent review of parliamentary electorates. Their presentation will cover how population data from the 2023 Census was combined with LINZ's up-to-date spatial data to support the Representation Commission's decision-making process. This will be a useful comparison with the processes used in local government representation reviews.

Date:  Friday, 4 September 2026 – 11.00am – 12.00pm

Register at the following link: Webinar registration

Contacting us 

If you have any questions on your council’s review or related matters, please email: lgc@lgc.govt.nz. 

Ngā mihi 

The Local Government Commission Team

The information contained in this update is intended to support well-informed council decisions and good practice throughout the representation review process.  Specific representation arrangements are decisions for each council. The information is provided by Commission officials and does not reflect a particular view or preference of the Commission for any specific representation arrangement. Where representation is determined by the Commission, each determination is considered on its own merits taking into account the information available to the Commission.