The proposed electorate changes that received the most public complaints

The proposed changes to the Manukau East electorate have received the most complaints from the public with some objecting to the separation of Panmure and Mt Wellington.  

The Representation Commission is currently reviewing the names and boundaries of electorates for the next two elections, after announcing proposed changes in November. 

Auckland, Christchurch, Otago and Southland had the most proposed electoral boundary changes, and it's in those areas where the Representation Commission has received the most complaints. 

More than 330 people have objected to the proposed boundaries out of 450 contributions - and the public can still comment on those objections until 24 January. 

There was significant objection to changes proposed for Labour MP Jenny Salesa's Manukau East electorate. The commission received 64 objections, mainly concerns over the inclusion of Panmure, separating it from Mt Wellington. 

The commission also received 58 objections relating to National MP Chris Penk's Helensville electorate, which would extend into Northland, Rodney and Upper Harbour - losing the Waitakere Ranges to New Lynn. 

While some told the commission they agreed with the proposed boundary, many seemed to think the name should be changed to Rodney, while others opted for Atanui, Mahurangi or Kaipara, instead.

But there already is a Rodney electorate, which the commission has suggested changing to Whangaparāoa. However, some aren't happy with that either.

"In my humble opinion 'Hibiscus Coast' would be a better name than 'Whangaparaoa'," a man called Linton Little wrote to the committee. 

Another called Jack Wolfe agreed, saying: "I object to the proposed new name 'Whangaparaoa'. Whangaparaoa is a very small portion of the electorate."

He also suggested "a better name would be Hibiscus Coast. It would better reflect the area of the electorate".

The commission announced in November that the number of electorates will increase from 71 to 72 at the next election due to population growth, resulting in one fewer list seats in Parliament than at the 2017 election. 

That new electorate has been proposed as Flat Bush in south Auckland. 

The commission said it received 22 objections to the proposed electorate, with some suggesting adding areas from the current Botany and Manurewa electorates to it. 

Others objected to the name Flat Bush, suggesting alternatives such as Takanini, Flat Bush-Takanini, Manukau South, Manurewa East, Totara and Totara Park.

Down south, the most complaints were about proposed changes to National MP Sarah Dowie's Invercargill electorate - mostly around the inclusion of the town Winton. 

The commission also received 16 complaints about National MP Hamish Walker's Clutha-Southland electorate, with some suggesting the creation of a central Otago or Southern Lakes electorate to focus on tourist areas. 

Public hearings of submissions will be held in February. 

You can read more about how the electorate system works here