Major changes to Wellington’s electoral map could bring new political dynamics to Porirua and northern Wellington suburbs, as the Representation Commission proposes reshaping local electorates.
The Ōhāriu, Mana, and Ōtaki seats are set to be removed, replaced by two new electorates—Kenepuru and Kāpiti—as part of the commission’s regular boundary review following the 2023 Census.
The proposed Kenepuru electorate would span Johnsonville, Churton Park, Glenside, and southern Tawa from the current Ōhāriu seat, and combine them with northern Tawa, Porirua city centre, eastern Porirua, and Titahi Bay from Mana. Kāpiti would take in Ōtaki, Paraparaumu, Waikanae, and several coastal and suburban communities previously part of Mana, down to and including Whitby.
While the changes are intended to balance population numbers across electorates, they also redraw political lines in traditionally Labour-held areas. Both Ōhāriu MP Greg O’Connor and Mana MP Barbara Edmonds represent electorates that would be significantly reshaped—or removed entirely.
The restructuring has prompted speculation that Labour could face increased competition in areas where it has previously enjoyed strong support. Kenepuru, for instance, merges diverse communities across northern Wellington and Porirua, which may lead to a more competitive electoral environment.
Judge Kevin Kelly, chair of the Representation Commission, said the changes are purely population-driven. “Almost all of the electorates in the lower North Island are below the target quota, and we’re required to ensure fairness by having each electorate contain a similar number of people,” he said.
Public submissions are open until 27 April, followed by counter-submissions and hearings in June. Final boundaries will be announced on 8 August.
As communities digest the proposed changes, the focus will turn to how the new electorates reflect local identities—and how they may shape the political landscape in the next general election.