Rodney Electorate Election Results (2005–2017)
The Rodney electorate has long been a significant battleground in New Zealand's general elections, characterized by a strong historical preference for the National Party. Over the course of several election cycles, the region has seen consistent representation by National incumbents, though the margins of victory and the performance of minority parties have fluctuated.
In the New Zealand electoral system, voters typically cast two votes: an electorate vote for a local candidate and a party vote to determine the overall proportional representation of parties in Parliament.
ไม่มีภาพประกอบKey Facts
- National Party Dominance: The National Party held the Rodney seat in every election from 2005 through 2017.
- Key Representatives: The seat was held by Lockwood Smith (2005, 2008) and subsequently by Mark Mitchell (2011, 2014, 2017).
- Highest Majority: The largest electorate majority occurred in 2014, where Mark Mitchell won by a margin of 20,230 votes.
- Voter Turnout: Turnout peaked in 2017 with 45,351 total votes cast.
Detailed Election Analysis
The 2017 General Election
In 2017, Mark Mitchell successfully retained the seat for the National Party with 28,140 electorate votes (63.14%). While National maintained a strong lead, the Labour Party saw a significant increase in support, with Marja Lubeck gaining 8,579 votes, representing a 19.25% share of the electorate vote.
ไม่มีภาพประกอบThe 2014 General Election
The 2014 election marked a peak in National's dominance in Rodney. Mark Mitchell secured 63% of the electorate vote, achieving a majority of 20,230. The Labour Party, represented by Eric Bolt, received 11.02% of the vote, while NZ First's Tracey Martin secured 10.15%.
The 2011 General Election
The 2011 election saw a more competitive landscape. While Mark Mitchell won the seat for National with 53.54% of the vote, the Conservative Party, led by Colin Craig, emerged as a strong challenger, capturing 21.23% of the electorate vote (8,031 votes).
ไม่มีภาพประกอบThe 2008 and 2005 Elections
During the 2005 and 2008 cycles, Lockwood Smith held the electorate for the National Party. In 2008, Smith won with 60.41% of the vote. In 2005, he secured 55.57% of the vote, facing his strongest challenge from Labour's Tony Dunlop, who captured 24.53%.
Election Results Summary (2005–2017)
| Election Year | Winning Candidate | Party | Electorate % | Majority |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | Mark Mitchell | National | 63.14% | 19,561 |
| 2014 | Mark Mitchell | National | 63.00% | 20,230 |
| 2011 | Mark Mitchell | National | 53.54% | 12,222 |
| 2008 | Lockwood Smith | National | 60.41% | 15,635 |
| 2005 | Lockwood Smith | National | 55.57% | 11,536 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who has been the most consistent winner in the Rodney electorate?
The National Party has been the most consistent winner, holding the seat throughout the 2005, 2008, 2011, 2014, and 2017 elections.
Which candidate achieved the highest electorate vote percentage?
Mark Mitchell achieved the highest percentage in 2017, securing 63.14% of the electorate vote.
How did the Conservative Party perform in Rodney?
The Conservative Party had its most notable performance in 2011, where candidate Colin Craig secured 21.23% of the electorate vote, making them the second-highest vote-getter that year.
What is the difference between the electorate vote and the party vote in these results?
The electorate vote is the count for the specific candidate running to represent Rodney, while the party vote is the total support for the political party regardless of the local candidate.
Did any other party come close to winning the seat between 2005 and 2017?
While other parties like Labour, NZ First, and the Conservatives gained significant percentages of the vote, no party came close to overturning the National Party's hold on the electorate during this period.