Selwyn District Council’s latest decision to increase rates is drawing sharp criticism from the Taxpayers’ Union.
Rates will increased 14.2% for the 2025/26 year—following a 14.9% rise last year.
Mayor Sam Broughton has defended the back-to-back increases, citing Selwyn’s rapid population growth—up 165% in the last two decades—and rising infrastructure costs.
Read More: Selwyn Mayor defends rates increase and infrastructure spending
He pointed to significant increases in construction expenses, including bridges (up around 40%), sewer systems (up 30%), and road and water infrastructure (up 27%) over the past three years.
Tory Relf, spokesperson for the Taxpayers’ Union, told Chris Lynch Media the council’s approach is “plain fiscal irresponsibility,” arguing that nearly 40% in cumulative increases over three years is unsustainable for many households.
“Mayor Sam Broughton says he wants to focus on keeping services affordable and reliable. But let’s be honest: a 14.2 percent rate hike this year, following last year’s 14.9 percent increase, is anything but affordable.
“Altogether, that’s nearly a 40 percent jump in rates over just three years under Broughton’s leadership. And when it comes to reliability, ratepayers are left in the dark – there’s only the safe assumption in Selwyn that any increase will likely be in the double digits.”
Tory Relf says that although all councils across New Zealand have been financially irresponsible, Selwyn is among the worst offenders.
“The Mayor can continue justifying his actions, but the truth is plain: this is fiscal irresponsibility. The answer is rates caps, because it’s time to put a stop to this runaway spending.”
