The number of electorates in New Zealand will decrease from 65 to 64 at the next general election, with one fewer in the North Island.

Stats NZ made the announcement on Wednesday morning after considering last year's census results.

The decision does not alter the size of Parliament - 120 seats, before any overhang - but means there will be one more list MP and one fewer electorate MP.

"This means there will be one more list seat in a 120-member Parliament," acting deputy government statistician Kathy Connolly said.

New boundaries for the 2026 election will now be drawn up based on the data.

The number of Māori seats remains the same, at seven.

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