Ilam is a New Zealand parliamentary electorate. Formed for the 1996 election, it was held by Gerry Brownlee of the National Party until the 2020 election, when Sarah Pallett of the Labour Party unseated Brownlee in an upset victory. The seat reverted to National when it was won by Hamish Campbell in the 2023 election.
Contents
Population centres
Encompassing many of Christchurch's most affluent suburbs, Ilam was considered a safe National seat until the 2020 election. The electorate includes the suburbs of Riccarton (north of Riccarton Road), Upper Riccarton, Fendalton, Burnside, Avonhead, Merivale, Bishopdale, Ilam, Russley and Bryndwr. In 2008, the boundaries were Deans Avenue, the Avon River, Bealey Avenue, Papanui Road, Harewood Road, Russley Road, Ansonby Street, Cutts Road, Yaldhurst Road and Riccarton Road. The 2013/14 redistribution did not alter the boundaries of the Ilam electorate. The 2020 redistribution, however, added Avonhead from Wigram and a large section of Selwyn around McLeans Island and Christchurch Airport. The 2025 boundary review saw the electorate gain part of Northcote from Christchurch Central.
History
The Ilam electorate was formed for the 1996 election, mostly evolving from the Fendalton electorate. Gerry Brownlee from the National Party was the first elected representative and held the electorate until 2020, when he lost the electorate to Labour's Sarah Pallett in an upset.
Members of Parliament
Unless otherwise stated, all MPs terms began and ended at a general election.
Key
National Labour United Future Green
List MPs
Members of Parliament elected from party lists in elections where that person also unsuccessfully contested the Ilam electorate. Unless otherwise stated, all MPs terms began and ended at general elections.
Election results
2026 election
The next election will be held on 7 November 2026. Candidates for Ilam are listed at Candidates in the 2026 New Zealand general election by electorate § Ilam. Official results will be available after 27 November 2026.