since the . This increased to 84 electorates through the 1969 election. The 1972 electoral redistribution saw three additional general seats created for the North Island, bringing the total number of electorates to 87. Together with increased urbanisation in Christchurch and Nelson, the changes proved very disruptive to existing electorates. Only two South Island electorates were not altered by the redistribution ( and ). Only eight of the North Island electorates were not altered (, , , , , , , and ). In the South Island, three electorates were abolished (, , and ), and three electorates were newly created (, , and ). In the North Island, five electorates were abolished (Hauraki, , , , and ), two electorates were recreated ( and ), and six electorates were newly created (, , , , , and ). Election day The date for the 1972 elections was 25 November, a Saturday. 1,583,256 people were registered to vote. There was a turnout of 89.1%, slightly higher than the previous election and considerably higher than the following one. The number of electorates being contested was 87. Results The 1972 election saw the Labour Party defeat the governing National Party, winning 55 seats to National's 32. Labour was therefore able to form its first government since 1960, with Norman Kirk becoming Prime Minister. The second National government thus gave way to the third Labour government. No minor parties managed to gain seats, and no independents were elected. There were 1,583,256 electors on the roll, with 1,401,152 (88.50%) voting. Votes summary The table below shows the results of the 1972 general election: Key |- |colspan=8 style="background-color:#FFDEAD" | General electorates |- |- |colspan=8 style="background-color:#FFDEAD" | Māori electorates |- |} Table footnotes: Notes References November 1972 events in New Zealand