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Rates are an important way that the Council helps fund the essentials that keep Selwyn thriving. Your rates are working for you 24/7, providing great value for the services that you, your neighbours and communities across the district enjoy.

Find out where your rates go [PDF, 296 KB]

Your rates invoice will include details of your rates contribution. You can check out the details of your rates by clicking on ‘property search’.

Your invoice details the rates assessed for your property for both the Council and Environment Canterbury (we act as agent for the collection of Environment Canterbury rates within Selwyn district). For a summary of rates in the Selwyn district for the rating year 1 July 2025 to 30 June 2026 please click here.

If you pay by direct debit, the Council will recalculate your deduction to ensure your rates are fully paid by the end of the rating year. Any change in your direct debit deduction amount will take effect from your first deduction in August. You will be notified by letter of the change. If you pay by direct debit, then as long as you have sufficient funds in your bank account to cover payments on the due dates, you will not be charged penalties.

For ratepayers not on a direct debit, rates are payable in four instalments – 15 September, December, March and June. Penalties are charged on instalments not paid in full by the due dates and there is a further penalty if rates are not paid by 30 June.

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

Ratepayer responsibility 

It is the ratepayer’s responsibility to ensure that rates invoices are paid when they are due. Council recognises the economic hardship faced by some ratepayers. Payment plans are available. We also have a Rates Rebate scheme that provides a rebate for low-income earners. Find out more here .

If you are unable to pay rates on your property, please contact our team as soon as possible to discuss options. Find out more about missed payments here .

Changes this year

The average rates increase for 2025/26 is 14.2%. This is an average across the district, and the actual increase will vary according to different property types and the services provided.

Rates may also increase if you have made changes to your property, for example if you have built a house on your section, or if you have changed your wheelie bins.

The rates for 2025/26 were set by the Council when it adopted its Annual Plan for 2025/26, confirming key priorities and spending for the year ahead.

Some of the key projects and priorities in this year's Annual Plan include:

  • Infrastructure and services: 80% of capital and 75% of operational spending goes towards roads, water, and waste services.
  • Roading upgrades: Despite reduced government support, Council will complete 80km of chipseal resurfacing (5% of the district's roads) and 5km of pavement upgrades.
  • Community facilities: Progress continues on parks, playgrounds, community centres, and the Lincoln Town Centre upgrade.
  • Strategic direction: Key strategies such as the Waikirikiri Ki Tua Future Selwyn, Kai Aku Rika Economic Development Strategy, Te Rautaki Tikaka Rua Bicultural Strategy, Te Paepae Ageing Well Strategy, and Piki Amokura Youth Strategy.

Find out more about the different types of rates, key dates and how you can pay.