Do not amalgamate Selwyn District Council with Christchurch City Council

That the House of Representatives urge the Government to keep Selwyn District Council, or any part of it, separate from any authority established under the Head Start or backstop processes that includes Christchurch, unless amalgamation is first approved by a poll of Selwyn electors.

In Selwyn District Council’s July 2026 survey, 58% of 4,035 respondents supported a standalone Selwyn authority and only 18% supported amalgamation with Christchurch, Waimakariri, and Hurunui. The council then submitted a standalone proposal. The Government has not indicated an intention to poll communities before undertaking amalgamation. I believe regional cooperation does not require Selwyn to lose its independent democratic voice, and that amalgamation should require Selwyn voters’ consent.