Community Surveys

60 seconds for Selwyn survey

From 5-21 June, we asked our community what they thought Selwyn should do and what matters most in our '60 seconds for Selwyn' survey. 

There was a total of 6,900 submissions made to our survey. Below are the overall results of our survey, along with a breakdown of the choices made by each town across the district.

• 46% of responses asked Council to explore both amalgamating with other neighbouring councils, and becoming a Selwyn-based unitary authority*, before making a decision.
• 34% of responses asked Council to only explore becoming a Selwyn-based unitary authority.
• Rural and urban voices were closely aligned in the numbers wanting to explore amalgamation and becoming a Selwyn-based unitary authority AND those who only wanted Council to explore becoming a Selwyn-based unitary authority.
• Responders care deeply about maintaining local identity, keeping decision-making close to home, and ensuring services remain affordable and reliable.
• Concerns about rates, growth pressures, and protecting rural communities were also recurring themes.

*Unitary authorities are organisations that have the functions of both regional councils and territorial authorities (city/district councils). You can read more information on our dedicated FAQ page.

Here’s who told us what they think in the survey:

• The survey had strong participation from working-age ratepayers, predominantly from Rolleston and Lincoln.
• 32% of responses were from people living rurally.
• Communities from Arthur’s Pass to Rakaia Huts had their say on what matters most.
• The survey had a high level of engagement (41% provided written feedback).

Which option do you think Selwyn should explore as part of the Government’s Head Start reforms?

If local government structural changes go ahead, which THREE issues would matter most to you for the future of Selwyn?

Themes identified from your written feedback

What's next, Selwyn?

Between 16 and 26 July we asked what the community thinks should be next for Selwyn in a short, three question survey about the future structure of local government. Analysis of the results shows that the majority of respondents thought that Selwyn District should become a unitary authority.

Selwyn's Options

Community-supported option	Option 1: Selwyn Unitary Authority 2,342 responses (58%) Selwyn District becomes a unitary authority. This means in addition to district council functions (e.g. roading and water) Selwyn would also be responsible for some regional functions in the area. This option would require Selwyn to work with other unitary councils to perform all regional functions currently managed by Environment Canterbury. Read more detail on this option
	Option 2: Mid Canterbury Unitary Authority (Selwyn & Ashburton) 967 responses (24%) Selwyn and Ashburton districts combine to form a single unitary authority, taking on some of Environment Canterbury's current functions across both areas. This option would require the new council to work with other unitary councils to perform some regional functions currently managed by Environment Canterbury. Read more detail on this option
	Option 3: Selwyn, Christchurch, Waimakariri & Hurunui Unitary Authority 726 responses (18%) A unitary authority bringing together Selwyn, Christchurch, Waimakariri and Hurunui into one central unitary authority. This option may require the new unitary to work with other unitary councils to perform all regional functions currently managed by Environment Canterbury. Read more detail on this option