Final 2008 Boundaries
The Representation Commission has published the final boundaries for the 2008 election. One can view maps at this link. I suggest people tick general (new) and general (existing) to get the best view.
Tne new seat is now called Botany. It takes in parts of Manukau East and parts of Clevedon and now leaves Pakuranga alone. I think it will be a National seat on paper, but have yet to do a proper calculation. Maurice will be pleased that Pakuranga is largely left alone.
Seats which change their name are:
- Clevedon becomes Papakura
- Port Waikato becomes Hunua
- Piako becomes Waikato
- Ohariu-Belmont becomes Ohariu
- Rakaia becomes Selwyn
- Banks Peninsula becomes Port Hills
- Aoraki becomes Rangitata
- Otago becomes Waitaki
- Tainui becomes Hauraki-Waikato
Oh yes they have added macrons to 11 Electorate names. Ohariu is now Ōhariu. That will create problems with domain names based on the electorates!
Overall pretty good for National as they now hold Taupo on paper, should win Botany, and retain their existing seats. Not had time to check but I suspect marginal seats like Otaki , West Coast-Tasman and Rotorua may be a bit more favourable now for National.