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.
[1] The electorate's original area covered the surroundings of the city of Nelson including Richmond, Havelock, and Picton.
[2] In December 1887, the House of Representatives voted to reduce its membership from general electorates from 91 to 70.
[6] The 1887 general election was contested by Seymour, Joseph Harkness and Mills, who received 446, 444 and 415 votes, respectively.
[7] The 1890 general election in the Waimea-Picton electorate was contested by Mills, Richmond Hursthouse and William Henry Phillips, who received 936, 728 and 80 votes, respectively.