Waikirikiri Selwyn businesses are expecting things to improve after a winter of more conservative trading conditions, according to a new business survey.

The latest results from the twice-yearly survey, run by the Council, show businesses expect profit margins to increase and trading to be up over summer and moving into 2026.

Despite tough conditions nationally, business owners are increasing their investment in businesses in Selwyn, with a net 23% of Selwyn businesses reporting increasing their investment over the past six months, up from -8% businesses increasing investment for the same period last year.

With interest rates still tracking lower and farm incomes continuing to rise, businesses expect things to continue to improve over the next six months, with a net 11% of businesses expecting sales to increase and 8% expecting profits to increase in the next six months.

The results show Selwyn businesses remain confident that ongoing population growth in Waikirikiri Selwyn, the strength of the rural sector and improving national conditions will also help. While the Council and business community are committed to working together through the Kai Aku Rika Economic Development Strategy to bolster the positives, Council Executive Director Denise Kidd says.
“It’s good to see the foundations remain strong even as businesses do it tough around the country. Here in Waikirikiri Selwyn we have some unique advantages, and it is great to have the business community working together as well as working with Council to support economic growth across Waikirikiri Selwyn.”

Businesses reported that cost pressures over the year have been squeezing profit margins and hiring, with 80% reporting operating costs had increased. However, the survey showed businesses are increasingly not passing on costs to consumers with 34% of businesses reporting increasing prices in the past six months, compared to 57% of businesses surveyed at the same time last year.

For the first time, businesses were asked about if they undertook circular economy practices, with 50% of Selwyn businesses reporting that they already do or intend to in the future.

Read the full report here.

Last modified: 11 Sep 2025 9:18am