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Proposed new licence terms for Upper Selwyn Huts are now available, giving owners an early opportunity to review and provide feedback ahead of Council’s decision.

The draft terms, which would underpin new 30‑year licences, will be presented to Councillors for approval at a Council meeting on 24 June. The early release of the draft terms demonstrates Council’s commitment to open communication and supporting greater certainty for the Upper Selwyn Huts community ahead of the June decision.

Under the Local Government Act 2002, Reserves and Other Lands Disposal and Public Bodies Empowering Act 1924, and the Reserves Act 1977, Council is required to provide services and manage Upper Selwyn Huts as an established settlement, reflecting obligations that differ from those applying to other nearby hut settlements around Te Waihora Lake Ellesmere.

Under the proposal, a single, standard set of terms and conditions would apply to all Upper Selwyn Huts licence holders. This approach is consistent with the Council’s role as manager of Crown‑owned reserve land and helps ensure fairness, clarity, and consistent expectations across the settlement.

The terms have resulted from reviewing the feedback received during the engagements with hut community in 2024 and 2025, Council’s legal responsibilities as manager of Crown‑owned reserve land, decisions already made by Council, and conditions that are practical, fair, and enforceable.

Council Interim Chief Executive Steve Gibling said the Council understood the importance of certainty for people who live in and care for the huts.

“We recognise the long connection many people have with Upper Selwyn Huts. These proposed terms are about balancing that history and current use with our legal, environmental, and safety responsibilities. Just as importantly, we want work with the community in a way that is clearer, and more respectful of the community.”

While existing licences will reach their expiry date shortly, the Council has confirmed there will be no gap in licensing. Current licences remain operative, and existing terms and conditions will continue to apply while the transition to new licences is completed, subject to Council approval.

The release of the draft licence terms sits alongside consultation on licence fees and a proposed waste management targeted rate through the Draft Annual Plan 2026–2027. Feedback on fees and rates is being gathered through the Annual Plan submission process. Questions or feedback on the proposed licence terms can be provided directly to the Council.

The Council will also host a community meeting on Sunday 19 April at the South Springston Soldiers Memorial Hall, where licence holders and residents can ask questions and discuss both the proposed licence terms and the Annual Plan proposals.

Council agenda papers, including the final recommended terms, will be made publicly available from 17 June, ahead of the 24 June decision. Licence holders and submitters will be advised of the outcome following the meeting.

Full information, including links to the proposed Terms and Conditions and details on how to provide feedback, is available on the Selwyn District Council website.

Last modified: 14 Apr 2026 9:11am