[2] Together with increased urbanisation in Christchurch and Nelson, the changes proved very disruptive to existing electorates.

[6] Hamilton East is home to the University of Waikato, and 11.3% of the electorate's workforce is employed in education and training, the second-highest proportion in the country.

One notable exception was in 1993, when Labour captured both Hamilton seats from National, but failed to win a parliamentary majority.

In recent years, such as the 1999 and 2005 elections, Hamilton East has been won more often by a National candidate, despite the Labour Party forming the government.

1Resigned March 2008, list seat taken by William Sio Blue background denotes the winner of the electorate vote.

Yellow background denotes an electorate win by a list member, or other incumbent.

Yellow background denotes an electorate win by a list member, or other incumbent.

Yellow background denotes an electorate win by a list member, or other incumbent.

Yellow background denotes an electorate win by a list member, or other incumbent.

Yellow background denotes an electorate win by a list member, or other incumbent.

Yellow background denotes an electorate win by a list member, or other incumbent.

Yellow background denotes an electorate win by a list member, or other incumbent.