Image of two smiling young men in jackets at the entrance to a warehouse with a forklift and shelving behind

Selwyn businesses appear to be turning an important corner despite the increasing business costs and global economic uncertainties.

The Selwyn District Council’s six-monthly Business Survey among 109 local companies revealed increased profitability for the first time since 2020 and higher sales for the first time since 2023.

A net seven percent of businesses reported higher profitability, and a net nine percent reported higher sales, which was not as large as businesses anticipated in the February survey, but still a significant improvement for the local economy.

“This is the first time since the Selwyn Business Survey began in 2020 that more businesses have told us their profits are rising than falling,” says economist Benje Patterson.

“The recovery Selwyn businesses have been forecasting for two years has finally started to show up in their results. It is shallower than they had hoped, but the direction of travel has clearly changed.”

The positive survey responses in many of the key measurements confirm the strong figures in the recent Infometrics statistics that showed Selwyn’s economy grew by three percent over the past year, close to double the national rate.

“That underlying growth is giving Selwyn businesses something to have confidence about at a time when the national picture remains subdued,” says Patterson, who adds that Selwyn businesses continue to recruit and invest in their companies, despite increasing operating costs.

“Infometrics data show us that there was almost five percent growth in job numbers among Selwyn residents over the past year at a time when labour market conditions nationally deteriorated.”

Mayor Lydia Gliddon thanked all the businesses for participating in the survey.

“Selwyn has always prided itself on being a business-friendly council, and this survey provides valuable insights into the needs and opportunities of our business community. Sharing these results will help businesses, organisations, and Council plan for the future together,” says the Mayor.

Patterson says more businesses have been able to pass on increased operating costs, which has made a significant impact on their profitability, while the strong rural economy and the growing population in Selwyn have been driving the higher sales figures.

The Business Survey showed that local companies are optimistic, but also cautious about the next six months, with the national elections around the corner, along with continued cost increases and subsequent pressure on household spending.

To combat future uncertainties, more Selwyn companies are looking for innovation in different parts of the business, with 72 percent already investing in innovation and a further 22 percent considering investment.

Mayor Gliddon says the drive to innovation is encouraging for the future.

“It's encouraging to see local businesses embracing innovation and exploring new opportunities for growth. That innovation helps drive productivity, competitiveness, a resilient local economy, but most importantly, will create more jobs for local people.”

Read the full Selwyn Business Survey.

Last modified: 03 Sep 2026 11:29am