Electoral boundary changes have been announced around the country including a change to the Waitaki electorate - which includes Wanaka.

The change to boundary lines moves Alexandra, Clyde and Roxburgh to the Clutha-Southland electorate, splitting Central Otago in two, while Cromwell and Maniototo remain in Waitaki.

Waitaki MP Jacqui Dean said she understands the reasons behind the Representation Commission’s changes to the Waitaki electorate boundary and accepts its decision. 

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“However, I’ve been representing Alexandra, Clyde, Roxburgh and Millers Flat for 15 years, so it is going to be quite a wrench to lose them. You establish connections and develop a rapport with people. You get to know what their issues are, but they are in good hands with Hamish Walker, who will be the National Southland MP with the boundary change."

The neighbouring townships of Cromwell and Alexandra will now have different national representatives.

The redrawn Electoral Boundary map, which shows the division of Central Otago. IMAGE: Electoral Commission

“I believe the needs of both areas, and other southern towns of Clyde, Alexandra, Roxburgh and Millers flat are very well aligned for representation within a Southland electorate, and it does rebalance the numbers of these sparsely populated areas,” Jacqui said.

The boundary review began in September 2019 with changes announced in April this year. The boundaries were last adjusted in 2014 and the electoral commission said the population in every electorate across the country has grown and boundary changes are made to balance the population in each area.

The new boundaries come into immediate effect for the 2020 general election on Saturday September 19.