Wide shot of Selwyn district with mountains in the background

The Selwyn District continues to outpace national economic trends, delivering strong and sustainable growth while fostering opportunities for businesses and residents. Positive indicators across multiple sectors show that Selwyn is bucking the national trend as it grows.

Mayor Sam Broughton said Selwyn’s recent performance reflects the district’s proactive approach to economic development.

“Our economy grew by 0.5% compared to 0% nationally with an encouraging 1.9% growth in the recent quarter. Consumer spending here has risen by 9.3%, against a national increase of 0.5%. These results highlight Selwyn’s resilience and our community and businesses confidence in the district’s future,” said Mayor Broughton.

Significant achievements include strong business and employment growth. New business activity has increased, with business units in Selwyn up 4%, triple the national growth rate, and Selwyn residents in employment rose by 5.9% (1.2% nationwide).

Education and tourism also delivered standout results. Lincoln University saw a 20% surge in enrolments, and annual tourism spending increased by 9.9%, well above the national average of 0.9%.

The Mayor commented that “the momentum we’re seeing today is no accident, and Selwyn’s economic development strategy, Kai Aku Rika, launched earlier this year, will build on this foundation”.

“We’re growing and doing so sustainably, ensuring our community remains a great place to live, work, and visit. Selwyn is—and will continue to be—open for business.”

Alongside housing, non-residential building also continued to buck national trends with a 30.6% rise in the value of non-residential building consents this quarter, contrasting sharply with a 6.4% decline nationwide. Selwyn processed 380 residential consents this quarter, up from 291 in the same period last year. This growth supports housing availability and affordability, with local house values rising 3.4% compared to a national decline of 0.3%, while Selwyn remains more affordable than the national average.

However, challenges remain, Mayor Broughton says.

“Retail and construction sectors have felt the effects of high interest rates,and while unemployment remains well below the national average, recent increases have impacted young people. Applications for the housing register have risen by 4.5%, highlighting the need for additional public housing in Selwyn as we lag well behind comparable districts in terms of Kainga Ora housing. While there is still work to do, our forward-looking approach through Waikirikiri Ki Tua gives us a 50-100 year vision to help ensure Selwyn will continue to provide a stable, innovative, and welcoming environment for sustainable growth.”

Last modified: 08 Jan 2025 4:17pm