March 13, 2026
The big unknown hanging over Selwyn’s proposed rates increase is what the future water charges will be.
Selwyn District Council’s new CCO, Selwyn Water Ltd, is yet to provide those figures despite the council adopting its draft annual plan for consultation on Wednesday.
The council will consult on a plan based on a 5.4% average rates rise, but there are options for 4.9% or up to 6.5% which all come with differing trade-offs.
All options are significantly lower than the 13.3% increase previously forecast.
The big unknown, which is hoped to be answered before consultation opens on March 16, is what Selwyn Water’s rates will be.
Mayor Lydia Gliddon said she is aware of the importance of getting the figures from Selwyn Water.
“These are being modelled now and will be in our draft annual plan.
“They are also a draft number and Selwyn Water will go through a similar process to us for the draft water services strategy.
“They have had a number of challenges to work though."
Gliddon said the council is consulting on a draft plan and nothing was final until the council made decisions in June.
“This is our first Annual Plan as a new council, and it reflects what we heard clearly during the election – that rate affordability matters, and the Council must live within its means while continuing to deliver essential services.”
Achieving a lower rating requires careful prioritisation and difficult decisions, she said.
“Councillors looked closely at what we do, how we do it, and where changes could be made to keep rates as affordable as we can while continuing to deliver core services and support growth.
“We’ve also asked staff to continue looking for further efficiencies as we move through consultation, because we know affordability remains a real concern for many households.”
Each option involves different tradeoffs, including a stronger emphasis on user pays for fees and charges, looking at the timing or scaling back of some projects, reducing funding for certain events and community grants, reducing consultancy spends and reassessing some staff vacancies.
Key investments proposed for 2026/27 include transport roading upgrades, progressing the Lincoln town centre upgrade, the replacement of the Whitecliffs Bridge, remediation of the Leeston Medical Centre, and ongoing road maintenance across the district.
The council also agreed to remove further consultation on Whata Rau, Leeston’s new library and community centre, from the plan and progress to detailed design the multi-purpose community.
The council is proposing a capital programme of approximately $86 million, which does not include investment Selwyn Water will undertake in drinking and wastewater projects.
Gliddon said the community feedback will be critical in the process.
“I encourage everyone to take the time to understand what council is proposing, what it will cost, and what it means for you."
By Jonathan Leask
The big unknown hanging over Selwyn’s proposed rates increase is what the future water charges will be.
Selwyn District Council’s new CCO, Selwyn Water Ltd, is yet to provide those figures despite the council adopting its draft annual plan for consultation on Wednesday.
The council will consult on a plan based on a 5.4% average rates rise, but there are options for 4.9% or up to 6.5% which all come with differing trade-offs.
All options are significantly lower than the 13.3% increase previously forecast.
The big unknown, which is hoped to be answered before consultation opens on March 16, is what Selwyn Water’s rates will be.
Mayor Lydia Gliddon said she is aware of the importance of getting the figures from Selwyn Water.
“These are being modelled now and will be in our draft annual plan.
“They are also a draft number and Selwyn Water will go through a similar process to us for the draft water services strategy.
“They have had a number of challenges to work though."
Gliddon said the council is consulting on a draft plan and nothing was final until the council made decisions in June.
“This is our first Annual Plan as a new council, and it reflects what we heard clearly during the election – that rate affordability matters, and the Council must live within its means while continuing to deliver essential services.”
Achieving a lower rating requires careful prioritisation and difficult decisions, she said.
“Councillors looked closely at what we do, how we do it, and where changes could be made to keep rates as affordable as we can while continuing to deliver core services and support growth.
“We’ve also asked staff to continue looking for further efficiencies as we move through consultation, because we know affordability remains a real concern for many households.”
Each option involves different tradeoffs, including a stronger emphasis on user pays for fees and charges, looking at the timing or scaling back of some projects, reducing funding for certain events and community grants, reducing consultancy spends and reassessing some staff vacancies.
Key investments proposed for 2026/27 include transport roading upgrades, progressing the Lincoln town centre upgrade, the replacement of the Whitecliffs Bridge, remediation of the Leeston Medical Centre, and ongoing road maintenance across the district.
The council also agreed to remove further consultation on Whata Rau, Leeston’s new library and community centre, from the plan and progress to detailed design the multi-purpose community.
The council is proposing a capital programme of approximately $86 million, which does not include investment Selwyn Water will undertake in drinking and wastewater projects.
Gliddon said the community feedback will be critical in the process.
“I encourage everyone to take the time to understand what council is proposing, what it will cost, and what it means for you."
By Jonathan Leask
