Ohinemuri (New Zealand electorate)

Ohinemuri was a former New Zealand parliamentary electorate, existing from 1905 to 1978. It was located in the northern part of the North Island, named for the Ohinemuri River.

History and Boundaries:

The electorate was created in 1905, largely from the northern portion of the Thames electorate. Its boundaries shifted several times throughout its history due to population changes and electoral redistributions. Generally, it covered a rural area including towns such as Paeroa (the namesake river running through it), Waihi, and later included Katikati.

Political Character:

Ohinemuri was generally considered a conservative electorate, often returning candidates from the Reform Party and later the National Party. While the electorate included some mining towns, its character remained predominantly rural and agricultural. This rural demographic contributed to its conservative leanings.

Members of Parliament:

Notable Members of Parliament for Ohinemuri included:

• William Fraser (Reform/National): Served multiple terms and was a prominent figure in the Reform Party.
• Alfred Dillon (National): Represented the electorate for a significant period in the mid-20th century.

Abolition:

The Ohinemuri electorate was abolished in the 1978 general election. The area it covered was largely incorporated into the new Tauranga and Hauraki electorates. Its abolition reflected changes in population distribution and the overall restructuring of electoral boundaries in New Zealand.