a landscape image looking over the plains into a sunrise

Selwyn District Council is working to ensure upcoming local government reforms deliver stronger local decision-making, better growth funding, and fair value for ratepayers.

“Our community expects calm, evidence-based decision-making, and that’s exactly how we’ll approach this,” Mayor Lydia Gliddon said.

“This is an exciting time of opportunity, a once-in-a-generation chance to make local government work better for all of Canterbury. There is no rush here. Let’s work together, have our say, and make sure we get this right.”

“We understand why households are looking for cost relief, and we want to support residents where we can.

“At the same time, any approach needs to ensure councils can continue providing the essential services and infrastructure our communities rely on every day – things like roads, water assets, parks and community facilities.”

Regional Government Reform – Simplifying Local Government

Consultation Deadline: 20 February 2026

The proposal includes removing the role of Regional Councillors and creating Combined Territorial Boards (CTBs) composed of Mayors. The board will work on Regional Reorganisation Plans to improve efficiency, strengthen collaboration across councils, and ensure decisions are made closer to communities. CTBs will have two years to submit their Reorganisation Plans to the Minister for Local Government for approval.

“We have a great opportunity to help shape this reform, and I am committed to ensuring Selwyn’s interests are strongly represented,” Mayor Gliddon said.

“I support exploring models that reduce duplication and complexity, provided they uphold Selwyn’s autonomy and identity. The focus must remain on practical, cost-effective changes that improve outcomes for our communities across the region.

“This plays into the bigger picture of local government reform, changes to the Resource Management Act, government decisions on levies and funding, rates capping, emergency management, and a raft of other legislation. Let’s think big, let’s be positive, and let’s work with central government and our neighbours in good faith. We cannot let this opportunity pass us by.”

“We look forward to working closely with the Canterbury Mayoral Forum on this process. A decision of this scale needs to be made together, ensuring the best outcome for the entire region.”

Rates Cap

Consultation deadline: February 20, 2026

The proposed rates cap would limit annual council rate increases to between 2 and 4 percent, with a phased approach starting in January 2027 and full implementation by 2029.

“If the policy is designed well, it can deliver real benefits for families while still allowing councils to maintain essential services,” said Mayor Gliddon.

“Our focus is on constructive engagement with central government to ensure any changes reflect the realities of fast-growing districts like Selwyn.”

She noted that while affordability matters, poorly structured caps overseas have led to ageing infrastructure and higher repair costs, so the design must be practical and sustainable.

“Councils must continue to maintain roads, water assets, and other critical infrastructure. Getting the balance right is essential.”

Meeting the 2–4% cap may require councils to explore alternative revenue streams, as the cap does not apply to fees and charges. “Our priority is protecting essential services and long-term sustainability, not short-term fixes,” she said.

Development Levies – Supporting growth

Consultation Deadline: 20 February 2026

Legislation is expected mid-2026, with phased implementation from 2027.

The Government’s Going for Housing Growth programme will replace development contributions with a levy system to better fund housing infrastructure. Under this approach:

  • Developers pay a proportionate share of growth infrastructure costs across urban areas using a standard method.
  • Levies cover core services: water, wastewater, stormwater, transport, and community facilities.
  • A regulator, likely the Commerce Commission, ensures consistent application.
  • The principle: “growth pays for growth”, reducing reliance on existing ratepayers.

Mayor Gliddon said this change could help Selwyn manage growth more sustainably.

“Development levies give councils flexibility to fund infrastructure where it’s needed. For fast-growing Selwyn, this helps deliver roads, water, and community facilities without unfairly burdening existing ratepayers.”

Next Steps

To support well-informed input into the consultation process, a two-day briefing workshop will be held in January, giving councillors the opportunity to work through the detail and shape Selwyn’s position ahead of the February submission deadlines, said Mayor Gliddon.

“Once we understand the implications, including what the Resource Management Act reform will look like, we’ll keep the community informed, because we want what’s best for Selwyn and the wider region.”

"This is a significant opportunity to contribute to the future direction of local government for communities throughout the region, and I look forward to getting to work."

Last modified: 23 Dec 2025 9:49am