The electoral boundaries overwhelmingly favour Labour, ACT leader Richard Prebble says.

"This is because the Electoral Commission has used the constituency quota to the limit, to keep electoral boundaries unchanged," Mr Prebble said.

"This benefits existing MPs and, as most seats are held by Labour, benefits Labour MPs.

"This a departure from the practice in the past, when the Commission tried to have all electorates the same size.

"What goes around, comes around. So the next electoral boundary changes will be drastic.

"One other factor appears to be working in Labour's favour. Rural de-population means seats such as Gisborne, New Plymouth and Wairarapa, that have been held by National in the past, have become Labour seats.

"But boundary changes no longer decide elections, as they did under First Past the Post, because MMP is strictly proportional.

"Indeed, these boundary changes may work against Labour, because its constituency MPs don't have to work so hard. It will also be harder for Labour to get out its voters, because in safe seats the turnout is always low," Mr Prebble said.

ENDS

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