Improving our well-being

One of the main purposes of local government is to improve the social, economic, environmental and cultural well-being of our residents and communities.

Almost everything we do as a Council contributes to these well-beings. In our Long-Term Plan we describe a series of community outcomes or goals, which represent the Council’s vision for the district, and guide the Council as it develops plans and makes decisions.

Set out below are the four well-being statements that we have developed for Selwyn. We’re also developing a set of indicators, or ways that we can measure progress towards each of the goals.

It’s important to note that the Council is just one of a number of organisations that contribute to well-being in our community. Government and non-government agencies, along with many other groups, also have a part to play.

The Council is not directly responsible for all of these indicators, but we do play a role in encouraging, advocating, facilitating and supporting these across Selwyn. Agencies are each responsible for measures relating to their own customers (for example, schools, hospitals, social agencies). If each agency or group performs well, then collectively as a community we can make progress towards these goals.

These well-beings are aspirational and long-term – we won’t achieve them overnight, but we should be actively working with other agencies to measuring progress towards them.

Environmental well-being

Selwyn’s natural landscape and biodiversity are protected. We improve our sustainable and productive land uses to feed New Zealand and the world.

Indicators include measures such as water quality of monitored lakes, rivers and swimming spots, area of land in protected indigenous vegetation and landfill waste in kg per capita.

Social well-being

Selwyn’s residents are successful; we support each other, enjoy spending time together and feel a sense of belonging. We love our families, are well educated and employed.

Indicators include measures such as employment numbers, educational achievement and housing affordability.

Cultural well-being

Selwyn is a connected and inclusive community. Mana whenua and tangata whenua thrive. We recreate and volunteer together. Everyone has a place to call home.

Indicators include measures such as crime rate, perceptions of quality of life and volunteer participation.

Economic well-being

Selwyn is defined by our innovative, quality and sustainable infrastructure and transport solutions. We love our towns and invest in our economy.

Indicators include measures such as growth of new businesses, travel times and number of visitors to the district.