Kai Aku Rika Impact Group formed to drive Selwyn’s economic development strategy

The Kai Aku Rika Impact Group brings together industry and community leaders to help guide, champion and activate Kai Aku Rika, Waikirikiri Selwyn’s Economic Development Strategy. The group includes a representative from Selwyn District Council, helping maintain a strong connection between community-led delivery and council priorities.

The strategy is business-owned and community-led, and was developed with input from more than 250 Selwyn business leaders. It was endorsed by Selwyn District Council and six other strategic partners in August 2024. The Impact Group was established to support and enable the delivery of the Strategy’s Action Plan, helping turn shared aspirations into action.

Group members include representatives from strategic partners alongside leaders and subject matter experts who are helping drive key initiatives within the strategy. Membership may evolve over time to reflect emerging priorities and opportunities.

The group will meet twice a year, fostering connections across sectors, identifying opportunities, unlocking resources and providing strategic insights to support community-led delivery of the strategy. Together, members will help ensure the strategy remains relevant, responsive and action-oriented for Selwyn's future.

A female and male in a meeting

What Our Members Are Saying

Director of Strategic Partnerships at Lincoln University Wim de Koning says working together has been key throughout the process.

“It has been a true collaborative journey from the onset of the Kai Aku Rika Economic Development Strategy 2024–2034. From open-entry meetings and discussions with the business community, seeing our voices reflected in the strategy, to now enabling the business community to have a tangible impact in weaving our region’s economic future together.”

Taumutu Rūnanga Ltd Chief Executive Cory Neale says Selwyn’s strength lies in collective effort.

“Kai Aku Rika channels that – linking iwi, business, and community, and weaving a kupenga of local leaders to catch opportunity and share its benefits. I’m proud to be part of this mahi and excited for what we’ll unlock together.”

Impact Group member Tracey Sheehy says the group’s strength lies in its collective approach.

“It’s great to see a broad leadership group brought together for their collective networks and insights. With organisational interests left at the door, I’m excited to focus on the momentum of delivering Kai Aku Rika.”

Terms of Reference

The Kai Aku Rika Impact Group exists to guide, support, champion, and take action to implement the Kai Aku Rika Economic Development Strategy for Waikirikiri Selwyn. The Kai Aku Rika Impact Group operates under a Terms of Reference that sets out its purpose, role, and expectations. It outlines how members work together to champion and implement the Kai Aku Rika Economic Development Strategy, provide strategic insight, connect across sectors, and drive actions that deliver lasting impact for Waikirikiri Selwyn.


Kai Aku Rika is our kupenga - a net that connects opportunity across Selwyn. Together, we weave the net and cast it to capture ideas, investment, and growth, allowing resources and potential to flow through and strengthen our communities.