It was formed from the southern portion of Rakaia ( the successor to Selwyn ) and the northern portion of South Canterbury , and included Methven , Geraldine , and Fairlie .
A third electorate named Ashburton was created for the 1978 election .
Ashburton was formed from the southern portion of Rakaia ( the successor to Selwyn ) and the northern portion of South Canterbury , and included Methven , Geraldine , and Fairlie .
A third electorate named Ashburton was created for the 1978 election .