Auckland Central's "Battle of the Babes" between Labour's high-flying Jacinda Ardern and current MP Nikki Kaye may be over with the electorate losing Labour stronghold Grey Lynn in the electoral boundary rejig to be announced this morning.
A new electorate will be created in the upper harbour area because of an increase in Auckland's population and Colin Craig's Conservative Party, which did well there in this year's local elections, will be considering making a strong pitch.
The Herald understands the boundary change that will make Auckland Central safer for National is one of a series of alterations as a consequence of the creation of the new Upper Harbour electorate.
Paula Bennett's Waitakere electorate will be rejigged and renamed, with parts going to neighbouring electorates and the remainder gaining Labour-leaning areas.
As Prime Minister John Key has indicated, Mr Craig's push for an electorate seat may be aided by an Epsom-style deal to deliver National a viable minor support party on the right as Act's fortunes fade.
