Aerial Shot of Selwyn and Business Precinct

Since November 2023 we have been engaging with our local business community to shape the direction of our Economic Development Strategy.

Through a range of online activities and in-person events, 250 of Selwyn’s business leaders have shared their valuable insights on how we will work together to build a future-fit Selwyn to grow the local economy and increase the prosperity and economic wellbeing of residents and businesses.

Focus Group Day

On 6 March 2024 we brought local Selwyn business leaders together to collaborate and discuss key themes that are important for shaping the economic future of Selwyn. These themes included, Partnerships and Collaboration, Fuelling Innovation and Technology, and Rolleston as a City of the Future.

Throughout the day, we also considered how we position Selwyn’s identity and showcase our business story to help shape the economic future of Selwyn.

Business Breakfast Event

Selwyn businesses joined us for a breakfast event on 7 March 2024 to hear all the latest insights from our bi-annual business survey.  Sharing sentiment with the recent Infometrics Quarterly Economic Data insights, the business survey has revealed an optimistic outlook for the district, with businesses reporting that they expect conditions to improve over the next six months.

Read the latest business survey report and media releases here.

Highlights from our Focus Group Day and Business Breakfast Events

Now that our engagement period for our Economic Development Strategy has concluded, we are now transitioning into the drafting phase of our Economic Development Strategy, aiming for final endorsement by the Council in June 2024.

If you have any questions about our Economic Development Strategy or would like to attend any of our future events please contact us at business@selwyn.govt.nz

Business Leaders Events 2023

As part of our Economic Development Strategy, we were delighted to welcome business leaders and key partners from large organisations across Selwyn, to join us and share their insights and vision for building a resilient and future-focused district.

The Selwyn Business Leaders Forum took place on 7 November 2023 and was followed by a Business Leaders Workshop on 14 December 2023 which delved deeper into key themes uncovered, including:

  1. Growing Value -  A diversified economy focused on attracting and retaining businesses who lift productivity and are aligned with Selwyn’s competitive strengths and community aspirations.
  2. Building Resilience - A place-based economy that meets the needs of the local community, resilient against future challenges and supports a healthy local environment.
  3. Leveraging Uniqueness - A strong inclusive identity that supports vibrant communities and our economy, ensuring our unique local culture is upheld and enhanced as we grow.

Highlights from our Business Leaders Events

Selwyn Business Event

We were pleased to welcome insights from Selwyn's wider business community, with representatives from all corners of the district coming together to discuss their visions for Selwyn's future on 14 December 2023.

Some of the key themes that emerged highlighted a vision for Selwyn that revolved around:

  • An Inclusive Community Hub: A proud, connected and inclusive community with a focus on community care, wellbeing and grassroots opportunities
  • Economic and Technological Innovation: A economic centre focused on technology and business innovation, supporting local expertise and a circular economy
  • Enhanced Quality of Life and Tourism Focus: A safe, vibrant and family-centric community with an emphasis on entertainment, play and world class attractions

Highlights from our Selwyn Business Event

These events have not only connected businesses within our community but also played a crucial role in laying the foundations for the continuation of our Economic Development work.