However, the National Party had managed to overcome the internal problems which had once troubled it, and now presented a credible threat to Labour.

National's leader, Sidney Holland, was proving more effective than his predecessor, while the Prime Minister, Peter Fraser, was weary and in poor health.

The after-effects of World War II, including ongoing shortages, were affecting the government's popularity.

The 1945 census was held on Tuesday, 25 September, so that the results could be used for the 1946 electoral redistribution prior to the planned 1946 election.

[2] The amendment bill was introduced on 18 October 1945 and proposed the complete abolition of the country quota and that electorates be based on adult, as opposed to total, population.

The Democratic Labour Party did not take part, and National absorbed many of the miscellaneous candidates and splinter movements.