The previous electoral redistribution was undertaken in 1875 for the 1875–1876 election.
In the six years since, New Zealand's European population had increased by 65%.
This necessitated a major disruption to existing boundaries.
[4] The electorate was represented by twelve Members of Parliament:[5] The 1996 general election was held early, on 12 October, to avoid the need for a by-election after the resignation of Michael Laws.
Key Independent Liberal Labour Conservative Reform National NZ First A general election was initially scheduled for 1941, but this was postponed due to the war.