West Coast-Tasman is a geographically massive and rugged electorate that covers the entire western strip of the South Island and the golden bays of the Tasman District to the north. It is the largest general electorate in the country by area, encompassing a diverse landscape of rainforests, glaciers, and alpine passes. The population is spread across several distinct communities, including the mining and service towns of Greymouth, Westport, and Hokitika, as well as the horticultural hub of Motueka. The region is famous for its "Coaster" identity—defined by resilience, independence, and a strong connection to the land. The local economy is heavily reliant on primary industries, including coal and gold mining, dairy farming, forestry, and fishing. Tourism is also a critical driver, with attractions like the Pancake Rocks, Franz Josef Glacier, and Abel Tasman National Park drawing international visitors. This economic base creates a tension between conservation interests and resource extraction, which often defines local political debate. Politically, the West Coast was historically the spiritual home of the Labour Party and the birthplace of the union movement. However, the electorate has shifted significantly in recent years, reflecting a growing disconnect between rural industrial workers and modern progressive politics. While long held by Labour’s Damien O’Connor, the seat swung to the National Party in the 2023 general election, with Maureen Pugh winning the electorate, cementing its transition into a competitive battleground. In the 2025 boundary review the West Coast-Tasman electorate’s boundaries were unchanged from the 2020 review.