The rapid growth of New Zealand's European population in the early years of representative government (particularly in Otago) meant changes to electoral districts were implemented frequently, both at general elections, and on four occasions as supplementary elections within the lifetime of a parliament.
Elections were held from 7 November to 18 December 1859 during the term of the 2nd New Zealand Parliament and required redrawing of the electoral boundaries of Bay of Islands, Northern Division, Wairarapa and Hawke's Bay (renamed as County of Hawke), Wairau, Christchurch Country and Dunedin Country electorates.
The Dunedin and Suburbs North election was won unopposed by John Richardson on 28 March 1863.
The Gold Fields election returned two members, and was won unopposed by William Baldwin and George Brodie on 14 April 1863.
The Maori Representation Act 1867[16] established four electorates to represent the indigenous Māori population.
The European (or General) electorates at the time only enfranchised adult males who were the owners of freehold or leasehold land, and as Māori land was generally communally owned under customary title this put them outside the definitions of the Constitution Act, and unable to register to vote.