953 days ago

Average rates rise in Selwyn 5.9%

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from The Press

The Selwyn District Council has adopted its Annual Plan for the next 12 months, with an average rates increase across the district of 5.9%.

The Annual Plan was adopted by councillors on Wednesday and confirms what services and projects the council intends to deliver in the new financial year, what they will cost and how they will be funded.

In a statement, the council said a focus on savings without compromising services and facilities used by the community helped keep the rates rises below the rate of inflation.

The council planned to spend just over $177 million, with a focus on water, transport and community facilities. It had also committed to investing $184.5m in infrastructure to deliver on the needs for Selwyn’s growth, which is expected to continue. The investment includes $27.9m in water supply projects, $55.8m in wastewater projects and $56.2m in transportation projects.

“We’ve checked in with our community and confirmed that we’re on the right track with the projects that matter most to them during this time when all of us are feeling the pressure of rising cost," mayor Sam Broughton said.

A total of 113 submission were received during the engagement period, and 17 submitters presented in public hearings.

Actual rate changes will vary for individual households depending on the mix of targeted rates households pay, and services provided.

Visit selwyn.govt.nz/annualplan for more information.

More messages from your neighbours
17 days ago

Time to Tickle Your Thinker 🧠

The Riddler from The Neighbourly Riddler

If a zookeeper had 100 pairs of animals in her zoo, and two pairs of babies are born for each one of the original animals, then (sadly) 23 animals don’t survive, how many animals do you have left in total?

Do you think you know the answer? Simply 'Like' this post and we'll post the answer in the comments below at 2pm on the day!

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19 days ago

Poll: As a customer, what do you think about automation?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

The Press investigates the growing reliance on your unpaid labour.

Automation (or the “unpaid shift”) is often described as efficient ... but it tends to benefit employers more than consumers.

We want to know: What do you think about automation?
Are you for, or against?

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As a customer, what do you think about automation?
  • 9.5% For. Self-service is less frustrating and convenient.
    9.5% Complete
  • 43.2% I want to be able to choose.
    43.2% Complete
  • 47.2% Against. I want to deal with people.
    47.2% Complete
2306 votes
3 days ago

Have you got New Zealand's best shed? Show us and win!

Mei Leng Wong Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

Once again, Resene and NZ Gardener are on the hunt for New Zealand’s best shed! Send in the photos and the stories behind your man caves, she sheds, clever upcycled spaces, potty potting sheds and colourful chicken coops. The Resene Shed of the Year 2026 winner receives $1000 Resene ColorShop voucher, a $908 large Vegepod Starter Pack and a one-year subscription to NZ Gardener. To enter, tell us in writing (no more than 500 words) why your garden shed is New Zealand’s best, and send up to five high-quality photos by email to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz. Entries close February 23, 2026.

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