The 1996 election was notable for the significant change of electorate boundaries, based on the provisions of the Electoral Act 1993.[1] Because of the introduction of the mixed-member proportional (MMP) electoral system, the number of electorates had to be reduced, leading to significant changes. More than half of the electorates contested in 1996 were newly constituted, and most of the remainder had seen significant boundary changes. In total, 73 electorates were abolished, 29 electorates were newly created (including Waipareira), and 10 electorates were recreated, giving a net loss of 34 electorates.
The electorate includes the following population centres:
The race was closely contested with three incumbent MPs (Neeson, Carter and Jack Elder). Neeson had a 141 vote lead after the preliminary count but Carter said he was hopeful of turning around his defeat as there were 4,000 special votes still to be counted.[4] Ultimately Neeson held the electorate by the slightly lower margin of 107. Carter was subsequently employed as an electorate secretary for Labour list MPJonathan Hunt at his electorate office in Henderson.[5] Hunt's electorate office serviced the constituents of both Waipareira and neighbouring Waitakere.[6]
The electorate was abolished after one parliamentary term for the 1999 election. Neeson transferred back to the Waitakere electorate and represented it for another term.[2]
Members of Parliament elected from party lists in elections where that person also unsuccessfully contested the Waipareira electorate. Unless otherwise stated, all MPs terms began and ended at general elections.
Blue background denotes the winner of the electorate vote.
Pink background denotes a candidate elected from their party list.
Yellow background denotes an electorate win by a list member, or other incumbent.
A Y or N denotes status of any incumbent, win or lose respectively.