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Last modified: 19 Jun 2025 8:30am

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Selwyn District Council is inviting the public to give feedback on a new Deed of Licence (DOL) for Upper Selwyn Huts.

Located on Crown-owned land beside Te Waihora Lake Ellesmere, the Upper Selwyn Huts community has changed over time from recreational huts to include a mix of temporary and permanent residences. The land is managed by the Council on behalf of the Crown, and the current DOL, which gives hut owners the right to occupy the land, has been extended several times. Many of its terms no longer reflect the current situation.

“This consultation is about informing a new agreement that provides clarity and certainty for licence holders and residents, while also ensuring the settlement is responsibly managed and obligations are fair and transparent,” says Denise Kidd, Executive Director Community Services and Facilities.

The consultation is seeking feedback on the details of four terms proposed for inclusion in the new DOL, including:

  • The length of future licence terms
  • Whether serious environmental events should be grounds for a licence ending early
  • The introduction of a bond to support land restoration at the end of a licence term
  • How the Council should undertake building condition inspections

“This is an opportunity for the community to have input on how we manage the settlement now and into the future,” says Kidd. “The area is located on public reserve land and decisions must be made with fairness, and with the broader interests of the district in mind.”

Between August and December 2024, the Council held independently facilitated engagement sessions with Upper Selwyn Huts residents and licence holders. These sessions were designed to listen to concerns, understand priorities and support a shared direction for future decision-making. Insights from those sessions have informed this consultation and the topics we are now seeking feedback on.

The formal consultation period is running for five weeks, longer than the statutory minimum, to recognise the importance of the decision and ensure all voices have the opportunity to be heard.

“Whether you’re a licence holder, a resident, or simply have a connection or interest in the area, your feedback matters,” Denise Kidd says.

The consultation is open from 9am, Monday 16 June to 5pm, Monday 21 July 2025. Drop-in sessions will be held throughout the consultation period by appointment.

To learn more or make a submission, visit selwyn.govt.nz/USH.