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17 July 2026

Selwyn residents are being asked to weigh up three options for the district's future as local government reform gathers pace across New Zealand.

The survey is the next stage in Selwyn District Council's community engagement programme following last month’s ‘60 Seconds for Selwyn’ survey, which attracted more than 6,900 responses and identified the issues that matter most to residents: affordable rates, reliable services and strong local representation.

Mayor Lydia Gliddon said the community's earlier feedback had helped narrow the conversation and identify the priorities against which future options should be assessed.

"People told us what matters most to them. Now we're asking them to help us consider how the different reform options stack up against those priorities."

The Government has announced significant changes to local government across New Zealand, including the replacement of regional councils such as Environment Canterbury and the creation of new council structures that bring district and regional functions together.

Councils have until 9 August 2026 to submit proposals through the voluntary Head Start pathway. If no proposal is submitted, decisions will be made by the Government through a compulsory backstop process after the 2028 local elections.

Mayor Gliddon said the decision was too important to make without again hearing directly from the community.

“I believe Selwyn should shape its own future, rather than have it decided for us. As we consider the options, we're focused on what is realistic, where there are natural alignments, and how we can ensure important functions continue to be delivered effectively.

“We also need to recognise that issues like freshwater, the environment and growth don't stop at district boundaries, what happens on one side of a river can affect communities on the other, which is why integrated planning is such an important part of this conversation.”

The survey asks residents to consider three shortlisted options:

  • Selwyn Unitary Authority. Selwyn becomes a unitary authority responsible for both district and regional council functions within Selwyn.
  • Mid Canterbury Unitary Authority. Selwyn joins with part of Ashburton District to form a new Mid Canterbury unitary authority.
  • Selwyn / Waimakariri / Hurunui / Christchurch. A unitary authority based on natural catchment boundaries, bringing together Selwyn, Christchurch, Waimakariri and Hurunui into one central council.*

Information provided alongside the survey outlines data, benefits and opportunities as well as risks and challenges so the community can make an informed decision with the information we have at hand, Mayor Gliddon said.

"We haven't made a decision on a preferred option. We're carefully considering each proposal, talking with neighbouring councils and looking at how they stack up. Before Council forms a proposal, we need to hear directly from the people of Selwyn.”

"We encourage everyone to take a few minutes to learn about the options and tell us what they think."

For more information and to complete the 2-minute survey, click here: Selwyn District Council - Local Government Reforms

* Kaikōura has been removed as they have announced a preference to amalgamate with Marlborough District Council.

Last modified: 17 Jul 2026 9:23am