Waikirikiri Selwyn

Waikirikiri Selwyn is a place of diverse landscapes, rich culture, and authentic experiences - from the alps and plains to the rivers and sea. Our identity is shaped not only by our environment, but by the people, stories, and communities that bring it to life.

Selwyn is one of those rare places that still feels untouched - a part of Aotearoa New Zealand where wide-open spaces, genuine local hospitality, and spectacular landscapes remain beautifully unspoiled. From the mountains to the plains and out to the coast, there’s a sense of freedom and authenticity
here that’s becoming harder to find.

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Our
District

Our district is located within Waitaha Canterbury region on the east coast of Te Waipounamu the South Island. It stretches from the mountains, Kā Tiritiri o Te Moana the Southern Alps in the west, Ngā Kōhatu Whakarakaraka o Tamatea Pokai Whenua Port Hills and the sea, to the east.

Our District takes its name from the Selwyn River, a braided river fed from two sources, rain in the foothills and small springs in the lower plains. The Selwyn River was renamed in in the 1840s after Aotearoa New Zealand's first Anglican Bishop, George Augustus Selwyn. The river was known originally as Waikirikiri, meaning a pebbly or gravelly stream. Today the river and the district are known as both Waikirikiri and Selwyn.

 

 

 

 

More Than a
Place to Live

The land area of Waikirikiri Selwyn is more than 6,381 km2, and is comprised of coastal beach, highly productive alluvial plains, Ngā Pākihi Whakatekateka o Waitaha the Canterbury Plains, river terraces, rolling hill country, steep high country tussocklands, and alpine areas.

Our District is a rich and diverse land, characterised by varied landscapes, iconic landmarks, special features, significant biodiversity, unique and special places.

Selwyn at a glance

  • Population: 87,600+ residents
  • 27,000+ filled jobs across the district
  • Employment growth ahead of the national average
  • Average job growth of 4.5% per year over the past decade
  • One of New Zealand's fastest-growing districts
  • Diverse economy spanning food and fibre, manufacturing, research, health, education and professional services

But what truly sets Selwyn apart is its people and communities.

Selwyn is a district of villages, each with its own identity, character and sense of belonging. Families are supported by quality schools, modern community facilities, libraries, sports centres, parks and recreation spaces. More than one in five residents are under 15 years old, reflecting the strong family focus that underpins many of the district's communities. The district also has a younger median age than New Zealand overall, highlighting its appeal to people building careers, raising families and creating futures.

Whether you're looking for a vibrant urban community, a rural village, a lifestyle property or a place where your children can grow up with room to explore, there is a place for you in Selwyn.

What connects them all is a shared sense of community, easy access to nature, and the freedom that comes from spending less time commuting and more time living.

Our people

Individuals, whānau and communities are at the heart of Waikirikiri Selwyn. The relationships, connections, stories, contributions, experiences, perspectives and legacy of people in Waikirikiri Selwyn have been central to our success and our identity. We need to make sure that Waikirikiri Selwyn remains a place where we can all live well into the future, especially as population grows and changes

In 2024, the estimated population of Waikirikiri Selwyn was 85,600. Waikirikiri Selwyn has the second largest population by territorial authority area in Waitaha Canterbury, second only to Christchurch City. Waikirikiri Selwyn represents just over 12% of the population of Waitaha Canterbury. Since 2009, the population of Waikirikiri Selwyn has more than doubled and increased by 74% in the past decade alone (2014-2024). Exponential population growth initially occurred because of the Canterbury Earthquakes of 2010-2011 and has continued in recent years. Waikirikiri Selwyn is now one of the fastest growing territorial authority areas nationally, growing on average 5.6% per annum over the past decade (2014-2024). Our population projections see this growth continuing in the future. 

Opportunity
Lives here

Waikirikiri Selwyn is one of New Zealand's fastest-growing districts, with a strong economy, growing industries and expanding career opportunities.

More than 27,000 people work in Selwyn, with the number of jobs growing by an average of 4.5% each year over the past decade. Today, the district supports a diverse economy that spans food and fibre, advanced manufacturing, construction, logistics, education, health, professional services and research.

Employment growth continues to outperform many parts of New Zealand, supported by business investment, infrastructure development and a growing population. New businesses are being established, existing businesses are expanding, and employment hubs such as Rolleston's Izone Business Hub and Lincoln's research and innovation precinct are creating opportunities across a wide range of industries.

Selwyn is home to globally recognised expertise in food and fibre innovation, agritech, advanced manufacturing, engineering, education and research. Organisations across these sectors are helping drive economic growth while creating exciting career pathways for current and future residents.

The district's largest employment sectors include agriculture and food production, manufacturing, construction, education, health care, professional services and public administration, reflecting both the strength and diversity of the local economy.

What makes Selwyn different is that opportunity doesn't come at the expense of lifestyle. Here, career growth can sit alongside shorter commutes, more affordable living options, strong communities and easy access to nature.

Whether you're starting out, advancing your career, growing a business or looking for a fresh start, Selwyn offers the opportunity to achieve more while enjoying a better balance between work and life.

Because success isn't just about what you do.

It's about having time to enjoy it.

Why people are
choosing Selwyn

More than 87,000 people call Waikirikiri Selwyn home, and every year more people are choosing to make the move.

It's easy to see why.

Selwyn offers the opportunity to build a successful career while enjoying the lifestyle that many people are searching for. With more than 27,000 jobs across a diverse and growing economy, residents can access opportunities in food and fibre, advanced manufacturing, construction, health, education, research, professional services and innovation.

At the same time, Selwyn offers something increasingly valuable: space.

Almost 95% of homes are standalone houses, providing room for families to grow, entertain, work from home and enjoy the outdoors. Residents benefit from household incomes that are above the national average, while housing remains more affordable than many comparable urban centres.

Across the district, a network of vibrant townships and villages offers a range of lifestyles. Whether you're looking for a modern urban community, a family-friendly neighbourhood, a rural village or a lifestyle property, there is a place to suit every stage of life.

What connects them all is a strong sense of community, easy access to nature and the freedom to spend less time commuting and more time doing what matters most.

In Selwyn, you don't have to choose between opportunity and lifestyle.

You can have both.

Our Towns

More Space. More Opportunity.
More Selwyn

Why people are choosing Selwyn

More room to live
Almost 95% of homes are standalone houses, offering the space many families can no longer find in larger cities.

Growing communities
More than 30,000 homes sit across Selwyn's network of townships and villages, with communities continuing to grow and evolve.

Strong incomes
Household incomes in Selwyn are higher than the national average, supported by a diverse and growing economy.

Better balance
Residents benefit from strong earning potential while enjoying more affordable housing than many comparable urban areas.

A district built for families
From modern neighbourhoods and village communities to lifestyle properties and rural townships, Selwyn offers a range of places to call home.

The stats

  • 87,300+ residents call Selwyn home, making it one of New Zealand's fastest-growing districts.
  • 30,279 dwellings across the district in 2023, reflecting significant housing growth and choice.
  • 94.6% of occupied dwellings are standalone houses, highlighting the space and lifestyle many families are looking for.
  • Average household income: $145,681, higher than the New Zealand average of $135,224.
  • Per capita income: $55,901, above the national average of $52,043.
  • Average house value: $797,406, lower than the New Zealand average of $872,606.
  • Housing affordability ratio: 5.5x household income, better than many growth districts and major urban centres.
  • See more here (reference Infometrics)
Our Towns

Stories from Selwyn

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