In the 1887 electoral redistribution, although the Representation Commission was required through the Representation Act 1887 to maintain existing electorates "as far as possible", rapid population growth in the North Island required the transfer of three seats from the South Island to the north.
The electorate ran from the Tararua Ranges down to the sea, with its northern boundary just north of Eketahuna and its southern boundary just south of the largest Wairarapa town of Masterton.
[2] The 1890 election saw the electorate gain Pahiatua and Woodville, but lose territory on the coast south of Castlepoint.
The electorate of Masterton was created for the 1887 general election.
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