A gathering place for the districts economic stakeholders to share insights, co-create solutions, showcase local pride and identity and gain new knowledge with the shared outcome of catalysing economic activity. Currently Selwyn does not have a single, annual forum of scale that convenes business, mana whenua, education, community organisations, and the public sector together.
Selwyn Futures Forum is a strategic action item developed out of Selwyn District Council’s Kai Aku Rika Economic Development Plan; a strategy document that serves as a roadmap for achieving productive and inclusive economic growth for Waikirikiri Selwyn.
At the heart of this event, the Selwyn Futures Forum theme will be Powered by People, The Next Generation of Growth. The forum focuses on getting the settings right to ensure our economy sustains our people and places for generation to come.
As the home of innovation, land-based research, and community-driven development, Lincoln University provides an inspiring backdrop for the Selwyn Futures Forum. Its focus on sustainability, future-focused learning, and regional development aligns perfectly with the Forum’s mandate to explore Selwyn’s long-term social, economic, and environmental future.
The forum serves as a gathering place for the districts economic stakeholders to share insights, co-create solutions, showcase local pride and identity and gain new knowledge with the shared outcome of catalysing economic activity. Currently, Selwyn does not have a single, annual forum of scale that convenes business, mana whenua, education, community organisations, and the public sector together.
The Selwyn Futures Forum brings together a diverse and influential audience, including:
8:00am Registration Opens
8:30am Mihi Whakatau
8:50am Conference Welcome
8:55am Conference Housekeeping
9:00am Session 1: Future Selwyn – Panel Discussion
How AI, emerging technologies and global economic trends are shaping Selwyn’s future. This session explores key growth sectors, upcoming opportunities, and what’s on the horizon for businesses and communities navigating an increasingly complex environment.
10:00am Morning Break
10:30am Session 2: Selwyn’s Economic Landscape
A look at the regional trends, risks and opportunities influencing Selwyn’s economic future. This session explores how stronger connection and collaboration — across relationships, infrastructure and shared capability — can support sustainable growth and long-term resilience.
11:15am Session 3: Government Speaker
A government representative will discuss Selwyn within the wider New Zealand context, including national priorities and regional alignment.
12:00pm Lunch
1:00pm – Concurrent Sessions
Session 4A: Growing Talent
Connecting the Skills and Workforce Programme with workforce insights to explore future skills pathways for Selwyn. This session examines labour market gaps, youth and emerging talent, and how education and training partnerships can prepare people for tomorrow’s jobs.
Session 4B: Story as Strategy
How identity and storytelling strengthen business appeal and attract visitors. This session explores how Selwyn’s stories — shaped by land, people and innovation — can support a cohesive place-brand narrative grounded in guardianship and long-term stewardship.
2:00pm – Concurrent Sessions
Session 5A: Systems for Tomorrow
Energy, infrastructure and transport systems needed to support Selwyn’s long-term growth. This session focuses on growth-enabling projects, smart investment and coordinated decision-making to ensure communities remain adaptable and future-ready.
Session 5B: Future Foods
How future foods innovation and agritech are transforming food production in Selwyn. Exploring new technologies, research and collaboration driving productivity, sustainability and global competitiveness.
3:00pm Afternoon Break
3:30pm Session 6: Impact Group Wrap Up – Panel Discussion
Key learnings and reflections from the day. Kai Aku Rika Impact Group members share insights and discuss the conversations shaping Selwyn’s economic and business landscape.
4:15pm Session 7: Keynote Speaker
5:15pm Conference Wrap Up
We have a range of sponsorship opportunities available that gets your business in front of an impactful Selwyn Audience.
Contact email address: For any questions regarding registration, sponsorship or the programme please email selwynfuturesforum@selwyn.govt.nz