Otago Central

In the 1911 electoral redistribution, the North Island gained a further seat from the South Island due to faster population growth. In addition, there were substantial population movements within each island, and significant changes resulted from this. Only four electorates were unaltered, five electorates were abolished, one former electorate was re-established, and four electorates, including Otago Central, were created for the first time.^[1] The Otago Central electorate mostly covered areas that previously belonged to the Tuapeka and Taieri electorates, which were both abolished through the 1911 electoral redistribution.^[2] Settlements that fell within the original Otago Central electorate included Roxburgh, Alexandra, and Ranfurly.^[3]

In the 1918 electoral redistribution, the Otago Central electorate was abolished. Most of its area went to an enlarged Wakatipu electorate, but smaller areas went to the Clutha, Bruce, and Waitaki electorates.^[4]

In the 1927 electoral redistribution, the North Island gained a further electorate from the South Island due to faster population growth. Five electorates were abolished, two former electorates, including Central Otago, were re-established, and three electorates were created for the first time.^[5]

The first representative of the Otago Central electorate was Robert Scott, who was the incumbent from the Tuapeka electorate.^[6]