Electoral boundaries for Christchurch are likely to change after the census in March this year. The census is expected to reveal some marked demographic changes that have occurred between 2006 and 2013.
Large parts of eastern Christchurch and the inner city have been depopulated following the earthquakes and there has been rapid growth (even before the earthquakes) on the western side of the city.
St Albans has been part of Christchurch Central since 1996 and is split in its support between National and Labour. The inner city has usually supported Labour MPs. After many years as a Labour seat, the Central Christchurch seat was won by Nicky Wagner for National in 2011.
Labour’s three Christchurch MPs also discussed CERA, the earthquake, lack of democracy in Christchurch and school closures in this article in the Press Painting the Town Red published just before Christmas.
Source: Press Article Painting the Town Red
