Māori seats is determined with reference to the number of adult Māori who opt for the Māori roll.) The number of electorates is recalculated, and the boundaries of each redrawn so as to make them approximately equal in population within a tolerance of plus or minus 5%, after each quinquennial (five-year) census. After the 2001 census, there were 7 Māori electorates and 62 general electorates, or 69 electorates in total. There were therefore normally 51 list MPs. By a quirk of timing, the 2005 election was the first election since 1996 at which the electorates were not redrawn since the previous election. A census was held on 7 March 2006 and new electorate boundaries released on 25 September 2007, creating an additional electorate in the North Island. For the election in 2011 there were 63 general electorates, 7 Māori electorates and 50 list seats, plus one overhang seat. For the election in 2014 there were 64 general electorates, 7 Māori electorates and 49 list seats, plus one overhang seat (the population increase resulted in an additional general electorate and hence a reduction in list electorates). Representation statistics The Gallagher Index is a measurement of how closely the proportions of votes cast for each party is reflected in the number of parliamentary seats gained by that party. The resultant disproportionality figure is a percentage – the lower the index, the better the match. Political parties , there are 18 registered political parties in New Zealand. See also Electoral reform in New Zealand Elections in New Zealand Political funding in New Zealand New Zealand Parliament References External links The MMP Voting System – Mixed Member Proportional Sainte-Laguë allocation formula Virtual Election Calculator Elections in New Zealand Politics of New Zealand Constitution of New Zealand New Zealand