Frustration over boundary changes
Auckland had some of the biggest electorate boundary shakeups in 2014 and some residents are still not happy with them.
Just before the last election the Electoral Commission made changes to 46 electorates across the country to accommodate population changes in certain areas.
Electorate boundaries are reviewed after every census, which takes place every four years. The changes are based on a formula which ensures electorates have a similar number of people for equal representation.
Boundary changes were made to the Mt Albert, Auckland Central, Epsom, Maungakiekie, Mt Roskill, New Windsor, New Lynn and Tamaki electorates.
The Auckland region increased from 23 to 24 electorates, with Upper Harbour being added.
The suburbs of Grey Lynn and Westmere were moved from the Auckland Central electorate to Mt Albert while Grafton moved into Auckland central from Epsom.
The suburb of Royal Oak moved from the Maungakiekie electorate to Mt Roskill and Sandringham moved from the Mt Albert electorate to Mt Roskill.
A total of 128 objections were made for the shake-up to the Mt Roskill electorate. The majority opposed an area within the Epsom electorate also being moved into the Mt Roskill electorate.
Nearly four years later and some people still haven’t adjusted to the new boundaries.
Aucklanders have expressed their angst over the changes on social media website Neighbourly.
Royal Oak resident Ann Sands said she no longer feels part of the Mt Roskill electorate.
‘‘I get the feeling that the candidates have forgotten about us here in Royal Oak.’’
Westmere resident Don Mathewson said he was annoyed at the changes.
The Auckland central electorate suited the way he voted and when Westmere moved into the Mt Albert it put his vote in the minority.
He voted on behalf of an old work associate rather than casting a valued party vote and was likely to do the same this year, he said.
Ian Newton from Grey Lynn said he was grateful for the party vote but ‘‘gutted’’ the changes moved him into a ‘‘strong Labour electorate’’.