After many years of being in the East Coast electorate, Eastern Bay voters are now in the East Cape electorate.

The electorate was renamed following a review of electorate boundaries and names in 2025.

Originally, the Representation Commission proposed moving areas north of Gisborne from the East Coast electorate into the Napier electorate.

However, following public submissions, it decided against the proposed boundary changes, leaving the East Coast electorate’s area unchanged.

The name was changed to better reflect the area and communities it serves.

The name change followed submissions from members of the public, including Kevin Allan, who argued that East Coast was potentially confusing because the electorate covers more than just coastal communities.

The similarly named East Coast Bays electorate in Auckland was another possible source of confusion.

The Representation Commission confirmed the final electorate names and boundaries in August 2025, ahead of the 2026 general election.