Your Rates

Some of the key decisions for the year ahead

• An $86 million capital programme, along with ongoing investment in water and wastewater projects delivered by Selwyn Water—supporting essential infrastructure.
• Increased investment in land drainage and developing a fully integrated stormwater plan through the Long-Term Plan
• Adopting a greater user pays approach, including increases such as $8 for dog registrations and around 60 cents for some classes
• Reducing funding for Council events, saving $107,000, and seeking external sponsorship opportunities
• Reduced hours on public holidays and over the Christmas period for community facilities to manage costs while keeping key services available.

Paying your rates for the 26/27 financial year

You can pay your rates by:

• Direct Debit
• Online with a credit card/debit card or internet banking
• In person

Direct debits

If you pay by direct debit, you don't need to do anything. We'll automatically adjust your deduction so you rates are fully paid by the end of the rating year. Your direct debit amount will change from your first deduction in August.

Your new direct debit amount will be noted on your rates invoice. As long as you have sufficient funds in your bank account to cover payments on the due dates, you will not be charged penalties.

Not on a direct debit

For ratepayers not on a direct debit, rates are payable in four instalments

• 15 September
• 15 December
• 15 March
• 15 June

It is the ratepayer’s responsibility to ensure that rates invoices are paid when they are due.

Installments must be paid in full by the due dates to avoid any penalties. If you're paying by automatic payment, you'll need to ensure enough is being paid regularly so the full balance is cleared by the due date.

To work out the amount, divide the outstanding balance by the number of payments remaining before the due date. As we can't calculate or recommend a payment amount for you, you may wish to do the calculation yourself or seek independent financial advice if needed.

• Check the total amount owing on the invoice.
• Count how many automatic payments will occur before the due date.
• Divide the amount owing by the number of remaining payments.
• Review regularly and adjust if any payments are missed or additional charges are added.

If you have any questions about your rates please email contactus@selwyn.govt.nz

Rating examples

Young Rolleston family
4.5% weighted average rates increase

Tane and Victoria moved to Rolleston eight years ago and have since welcomed son, Oliver, daughter, Sophie, and a dog called Schnitzel. This year, Tane and Victoria will pay $3,198 in rates to Selwyn District Council. This is $148 more than they paid last year, plus $280 more in water fees and charges to be paid to Selwyn Water. This combined total (excluding volumetric water consumption) equates to an 8.6% increase on what Tane and Victoria were paying to Selwyn District Council for rates, and water fees and charges in 2025/26.

Retired Darfield couple
4.5% weighted average rates increase

Pam and Bill are a retired couple in their 70s who love the country lifestyle in Darfield. They have owned their three bedroom home for more than 20 years, and have their own septic tank. Their property is valued at $550,000. For 2026/27, Pam and Bill will pay $2,683 in Selwyn District Council rates. This is $111 more in rates. They will also pay $134 more in water fees and charges. This combined total (excluding volumetric water consumption) equates to a 6.3% increase on what Pam and Bill were paying in rates, and water fees and charges in 2025/26 to Selwyn District Council.

Horticultural farmer from Southbridge
4.5% weighted average rates increase

Belinda is a horticultural farmer in her 40s living in the Southbridge area. She loves getting out on her property each day, enjoying the wide open spaces, and working her land. She couldn’t imagine living anywhere else. Waikirikiri Selwyn is home. Belinda operates an approximately 145 hectare farm valued at $7.6 million. Her rates bill for 2026/27 includes Council water race charges. Belinda has her own bore for drinking water and her own septic tank. For this financial year, Belinda’s Selwyn District Council rates will be $15,017, which is $937 more than she paid in 2025/26. This equates to a 6.7% increase.