Several people gather to network at restaurant

Green shoots are emerging for Selwyn businesses after relatively hard trading conditions last year, according to a new business survey.

The February 2025 Selwyn Business Survey shows Selwyn businesses feeling increasingly confident, with a net 36% of businesses reporting increasing their investment and 7% reporting increasing staff, Economist Benje Patterson says.

“Selwyn businesses have reported better conditions than their counterparts across virtually every indicator. Selwyn is one of the few districts in New Zealand to have experienced significant increases to employment over the latter stages of 2024 and start of 2025.”

These results fit with the positive figures seen in the latest Infometrics quarterly economic report, which showed Selwyn’s economy grew 0.9% in the year to December ahead of a 0.5% decline nationally, while employment grew by 5.0% at a time when the New Zealand labour market became more challenging.

The number of businesses expecting to increase investment and see revenue growth, have both improved markedly over the past six months, in line with recent decreases to interest rates and better returns for the dairy sector, he says.

The latest results from the twice-yearly survey, run by the Council, show a net 30% of Selwyn businesses expect to increase investment, 28% expect sales to increase and 16% expect to hire more staff in the next six months.

While recent sales activity has still been flat, that was a significant change from the previous survey where a net 28% of businesses reported falling sales. This stabilisation reflects what we would have expected to happen in response to recent falls in interest rates at the same time as the primary sector export returns have risen, Mr Patterson says.

The Council continues to support these positive steps through the Kai Aku Rika Economic Development Strategy, says Mayor Sam Broughton.

“It is good to see that Selwyn businesses are feeling encouraged, and the economy remains strong despite the national conditions. We are committed to working with the business community to strengthen these shoots and keep Selwyn a great place to call home,” says the Mayor.

Last modified: 10 Mar 2025 1:30pm