A seat named Wanganui and Rangitikei was contested at the very first general election in New Zealand in 1853.
Three members died while holding the seat: Douglas Hastings Macarthur died on 24 May 1892 and was succeeded by John Stevens; Arthur Remington died on 17 August 1909 and was succeeded by Robert Smith; and Sir Roy Jack died on 24 December 1977 and was succeeded by Bruce Beetham.