[1] It marked the beginning of party politics in New Zealand with the formation of the Liberal Government, which was to enact major welfare, labour and electoral reforms, including giving the vote to women.

Multi-member electorates were re-introduced in the four main centres and the 'country quota' (which gave more weight to rural votes) was increased to 28%.

Following the election and the resignation of the previous government headed by Harry Atkinson, John Ballance formed the first Liberal Party ministry, taking office on 24 January 1891.

Of those, four electorates were created for the first time: Te Aroha, Halswell, Dunedin Suburbs, and Palmerston.

Mackie and Rose suggest there was a 74.4% turnout, based on valid votes cast as a percentage of the registered electors.