The Representation Commission has confirmed the final electorate boundaries and names for the next general election, with several changes affecting Canterbury and Christchurch.

Under the Electoral Act, the South Island’s 16 general electorates remain fixed.

However, rapid population growth in Selwyn, originally 14 percent over the quota, has triggered a series of boundary adjustments.

Communities in Templeton and Prebbleton will move from Selwyn into Wigram.

The shift has prompted flow on changes to Christchurch Central, Ilam and Christchurch East, affecting suburbs including Addington, Spreydon, Linwood, Phillipstown and Northcote.

Submissions from residents in Prebbleton expressed a desire to remain in the rural Selwyn electorate, but Judge Kevin Kelly, Chair of the Representation Commission, said the over quota population made this impossible without major changes to surrounding electorates.

Several submitters also opposed splitting Spreydon between Wigram and Christchurch Central. However, the Commission said no workable alternative could be found that kept electorates within population limits.

One proposal that did change following public consultation was the planned shift of Redwood from Christchurch Central to Christchurch East. After hearings, the Commission decided to keep Redwood in Christchurch Central, instead moving a section of Linwood and Phillipstown between Fitzgerald Avenue, Avonside Drive and Tuam Street into Christchurch East.

Judge Kelly said the changes reflect population trends and community connections, but more adjustments are likely in the future.

“Due to the projected growth for Selwyn ahead of the next review, it is highly likely that further shifts will be required to electoral boundaries in the greater Christchurch region,” he said.

The new boundaries will apply for the next general election, while any by elections held beforehand will use the 2020 boundaries.