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Following the initial‘60 seconds for Selwyn’ survey, we have analysed the data and drawn out the three most favoured options to explore further in this secondshort survey.You can find out more about each option here on our dedicated Head Start webpage.
The Government’s Head Start pathway requires councils to submit proposals by 9 August 2026. The process enables councils to bring forward locally developed governance options for consideration prior to the Backstop process which will start following the 2028 local elections.
This survey opened on Thursday 16 July 2026 and will close at midnight on Sunday 26 July 2026.
Selwyn's Options
Option 1: Selwyn Unitary Authority
Selwyn becomes a unitary authority. We would continue our existing functions (e.g. roading and water) and also be responsible for some regional functions in the area. This option would require Selwyn to work with other unitary councils to perform all regional functions currently managed by Environment Canterbury.
Selwyn and Ashburton districts combine to form a single unitary authority, taking on some of Environment Canterbury's current functions across both areas. This option would require the new council to work with other unitary councils to perform some regional functions currently managed by Environment Canterbury.
A unitary authority bringing together Selwyn, Christchurch, Waimakariri and Hurunui into one central unitary authority. This option may require the new unitary to work with other unitary councils to perform all regional functions currently managed by Environment Canterbury.
Following the initial‘60 seconds for Selwyn’ survey, we have analysed the data and drawn out the three most favoured options to explore further in this secondshort survey.You can find out more about each option here on our dedicated Head Start webpage.
The Government’s Head Start pathway requires councils to submit proposals by 9 August 2026. The process enables councils to bring forward locally developed governance options for consideration prior to the Backstop process which will start following the 2028 local elections.
This survey opened on Thursday 16 July 2026 and will close at midnight on Sunday 26 July 2026.
Selwyn's Options
Option 1: Selwyn Unitary Authority
Selwyn becomes a unitary authority. We would continue our existing functions (e.g. roading and water) and also be responsible for some regional functions in the area. This option would require Selwyn to work with other unitary councils to perform all regional functions currently managed by Environment Canterbury.
Selwyn and Ashburton districts combine to form a single unitary authority, taking on some of Environment Canterbury's current functions across both areas. This option would require the new council to work with other unitary councils to perform some regional functions currently managed by Environment Canterbury.
A unitary authority bringing together Selwyn, Christchurch, Waimakariri and Hurunui into one central unitary authority. This option may require the new unitary to work with other unitary councils to perform all regional functions currently managed by Environment Canterbury.
becomes a unitary authority. We would continue our existing functions (e.g. roading and water) and also be responsible for some regional functions in the area. This option would require Selwyn to work with other unitary councils to perform all regional functions currently managed by Environment Canterbury.
A unitary authority bringing together Selwyn, Christchurch, Waimakariri and Hurunui into one central unitary authority. This option may require the new unitary to work with other unitary councils to perform all regional functions currently managed by Environment Canterbury.