Council performance data: Waikirikiri Selwyn
The Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) has established a new council performance measurement framework aimed at giving communities greater visibility of the performance of their council, and the ability to compare councils’ data.
Our region has an amazing story of growth, and we want to make sure everyone—our residents and community—understand the numbers, and why Waikirikiri Selwyn remains a great place to live and work.
Let’s take a closer look at the data:
In the new Government data, Councils have been grouped by population size (large metro group, small metro and large provincial group, small provincial and rural group, regional).
Waikirikiri Selwyn has been grouped with other ‘small metro and large provincial councils’ such as Invercargill, Ashburton District, Hastings District and Palmerston North City Council. This group of local authorities ranges greatly in terms of land mass (Southland 29,575km² to Napier City 105km²) with Waikirikiri Selwyn covering 6,381km² and population – from 90,600 people in Waikato District Council, to 32,000 in Thames-Coromandel District. Waikirikiri Selwyn sits at the fifth highest population with 85,000 people but remains the fastest growing region in the group:
Source: DIA Selwyn District Council Profile 2023-24 Updated 31 July 2025
You will also see on the graph above that compared to our neighbours and other high-growth councils such as Tauranga and Queenstown Lakes, we are the fastest growing region. In fact, our population has doubled in the last 14 years and we remain the fastest growing region in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Rates
Our average rates increase for 2025/26 is 14.2%, which is in line with what was signaled in the Long-Term Plan 2024-2034. For a typical household, this means an increase of around $10–$11 per week, depending on their property value.
To keep rates increases within the expected range, we’re working hard to find savings and be smarter with how we spend. While our rate increase is 14.2% this year, we are also forecasting lower rate increases in the next few years.
Our average rate increases over the last 10 years have been about 6%; over the next eight years, they are planned to average less than 7% and will reduce each year reaching 3.6% by 2034.
You will see from the graph below that Waikirikiri Selwyn has one of the lowest average rates per rateable unit in Waitaha Canterbury, and compared to other high growth Councils like Tauranga and Queenstown-Lakes.* In 2023/24, the average rate per rateable unit in Waikirikiri Selwyn was $2,715, lower than neighbouring councils such as Christchurch ($3,794) and Waimakariri ($3,109).
What is average rates per ratable unit?
Average rates per rateable unit calculates the total of general and targeted rates revenue received (2023/24) or forecast to be received (2024/25 and 2025/26) and divide by the number of rateable units reported in the councils Annual Reports for (2023/24). Predominantly rural councils will have more rural rateable units and fewer residential and commercial rateable units. While predominantly urban councils will have a higher proportion of residential and commercial but fewer rural rateable units. This makes comparisons with other councils difficult.
*The graph above shows average rates per rateable unit 23/24 (actual) and 24/25 and 25/26 - which are both forecast rates at this stage. This has been done for consistency but it is not adjusted to reflect growth in rateable units eventhough rates revenue includes growth.. For Waikirikiri Selwyn, as a fast growing council, this can range from 1,500 to 2,000 units per annum.
Selwyn also has the lowest rates per person, when compared to our neighbours and other high growth councils:
Waikirikiri Selwyn also has lower average rates per person when compared with other high growth councils like Queenstown-Lakes ($4,113) and Tauranga ($4,792). Our forecasted rates increases over the next two years remain low when compared to our neighbours and other high growth councils.
Total Rates Revenue vs Rates
In our Department of Internal Affairs Council Profile, the Government says that Waikirikiri Selwyn is making 18% more money from rates this year compared to last year. This is total rates revenue which is different from the rates increase anticipated for the district which remains 14.2%. This is because more people are moving to Waikirikiri Selwyn each year and paying rates too. In the year ending 30 June 2024, we had an increase of close to 1,900 ratable units across the district.
We consider many factors when setting budgets for the Long-Term Plan, this includes things like population projections, increased insurance costs and inflation.
Capital expenditure
Spending efficiently, and focus on essential infrastructure
In 2025/2026, Over 80% of our capital spending is going to what our communities need most: things like safe roads and working water systems. The remaining 20% covers our rubbish and recycling services, parks and reserves, and libraries and community centres.
Capital spending is money the council uses to build or improve things that last a long time—like roads, parks, water systems, or community buildings. It’s about investing in the future of our district, making sure we have the facilities and infrastructure we need to live well and grow.
The graph below shows how our capital spending compares to other small metro and large provincial councils as part of the DIA data profiles and highlights our focus on essential infrastructure:
Source: DIA Selwyn District Council Profile 2023-24 Updated 31 July 2025
Where does our capital spend go?
As we recently highlighted in our Annual Plan 25/26, we are focused on the work our community needs: looking after our roads and water supplies across the district, building new community facilities, upgrading parks and playgrounds, and the Lincoln Town Centre upgrade.
We’re keeping our debt low
We are spending responsibly and efficiently, keeping our debt levels low. The graph below shows our average debt per rating unit is lower than our neighbours and other high growth councils, such as Queenstown-Lakes and Tauranga.
Personnel costs
We are working hard to manage our growth responsibly. Part of this is balancing the need for a council workforce which is equipped to meet the demands of growth, while managing our finances carefully and responsibly. You will see from the graph below that our personnel costs are on par with our neighbours, and lower than other high-growth councils.
How can I access the Council Profile information?
DIA has published these key council metrics and ‘Council Profiles’ on its website.
This information will be updated annually. In time, a range of metrics will provide a broad picture of council functions and delivery of services.
For more information:
We have been making financial information available to our community for a very long time. Annual Reports, for instance, have been produced since 2002, shaped by the voices of our community. Our most recent Long-Term Plan 2024-2034 received feedback from over 1,500 community members.
You can view all our plans and reports here.
We are committed to keeping residents informed and engaged. This includes clear communication about why decisions are made, where money is being spent, and what we’re doing to ensure Waikirikiri Selwyn remains a great place to live.
We encourage residents to get in touch, ask questions, and have their say, whether it’s through formal submissions, community forums, or directly with councillors. All our council meetings and briefings are live streamed and open to the public which is part of our commitment to council transparency. You can also register on Yoursay/Selwyn to be informed of the latest consultation we’re seeking community views on.
Visit the DIA website here