In this section

The local election process in Selwyn, and our ward boundaries

Triennial Local Body Elections

Elections for local councils are held every three years. The next triennial local elections in New Zealand will be held in 2022.

You can find results from previous elections in the links above.

Representation Review

Local councils are required under the Local Electoral Act 2001 to undertake a Representation Review each six year period. Selwyn District Council last undertook a review during the 2015 calendar year in preparation for the 2016 elections.

The Representation Review determines detailed arrangements for matters including the number of electoral subdivisions (if any), and their boundaries, names, and number of members. It also decides the basis of election (at large, wards, or a mix of both), and establishment of community boards.

Selwyn District Council is carrying out its Representation Review in 2021.

A Representation Review subcommittee has been established, comprising Councillors Mark Alexander (Chair), Shane Epiha (Deputy Chair), and Jenny Gallagher, Mayor Sam Broughton and Malvern Community Board Chair Mr John Morten.

Agendas and minutes of Representation Review subcommittee meetings are available on the Council website.

Preliminary consultation March-April 2021

One of the factors the Council must consider in its review is “communities of interest”. This is concerned with identifying the distinctive interests of a community, and how ward boundaries and electoral arrangements reflect those interests respond to the needs of the community.

As part of our initial research for this review, we have commissioned a survey of residents, to help us gain an understanding of how Selwyn people think about their “communities of interest” and their views about the electoral system.

This phase will help us to gain an understanding of how Selwyn residents think about their “communities of interest” and how they relate to the electoral system, in particular three key elements set out in legislation:

  • a sense of belonging to a clearly defined area or locality (the perceptual dimension);
  • the ability to meet with reasonable economy the community’s requirements for comprehensive physical and human services (the functional dimension), and
  • the ability of the elected body to represent the interests and reconcile the conflicts of all its members (the political dimension).

This research is being carried out through

- a small number of in-depth, in-person interviews

- a telephone survey of residents to ensure a representative sample

- an online survey

The Representation Review subcommittee will consider the research results in April 2021, and these will help inform its initial proposal for consultation.

Any Selwyn resident can participate in this research by completing the online survey.

(The survey is being run independently by Research First Ltd)

Notice of Council resolution on electoral system and right to demand poll

Notice is given under section 28 of the Local Electoral Act 2001 that Selwyn District Council resolved on 9 September 2020 to retain the First Past the Post electoral system for the 2022 and 2025 triennial elections.

Electors of Selwyn District Council have a right to demand a poll at any time to override the Council’s decision to use the First Past the Post electoral system.

If a valid demand for a poll is received by 22 February 2021, a poll will be held by 21 May 2021 on whether the First Past the Post or the Single Transferable Voting electoral system will be used for the next two triennial elections (2022 and 2025).

If a valid demand for a poll is received after 22 February 2021, a poll will be held after 21 May 2021 with the outcome applicable for the 2025 and 2028 triennial elections.

A valid demand must be:

  • made in writing
  • signed by at least 5 percent of eligible electors of the Selwyn District Council. This equates to 2,016 elector signatures
  • delivered to Selwyn District Council, 2 Norman Kirk Drive, Rolleston, by 5pm, Monday 22 February 2021 (for the outcome of the poll to apply to the 2022 triennial election of Selwyn District Council).

Every elector who signs a demand must also provide their full name and the address for which they are qualified as an elector of Selwyn District Council.

12 September 2020

Previous Election Results:

2019 - 2016 - 2013 - 2010

Wards:

Selwyn district is broken into four wards for election purposes.  The four wards are:

Further information:

Email elections@selwyn.govt.nz or phone the council.