Selwyn’s economy continues to outpace the rest of the country, with more residents finding jobs, businesses expanding, and local spending on the rise, according to new figures from Infometrics.

Employment in Selwyn rose by 5% in the year to December 2024, while national employment levels remained unchanged. The district also saw a 3.7% increase in the number of businesses, compared to 1.9% growth in Canterbury and 1.3% nationally.

While overall economic growth slowed compared to previous quarters, Selwyn’s 0.9% growth rate remained ahead of the 0.5% decline nationwide.

Mayor Sam Broughton said strong investment in infrastructure projects and local businesses had contributed to the district’s success.

“These figures are encouraging and show that even in tough times nationally, Selwyn remains a great place to live, work, and start a business.”

Confidence in Selwyn’s future is reflected in a sharp rise in non-residential construction, with the value of building consents surging by 46% to $293.4 million in the year to December 2024. Nationally, non-residential consents declined by 0.9% over the same period.

Broughton said the increase was driven by several large infrastructure projects, which he credited to the Council’s commitment to supporting economic growth through the Kai Aku Riki Economic Development Strategy.

Selwyn residents are also spending more locally, with consumer spending rising 6.1%. International tourism has also taken off, with a 27% increase in visitor spending, adding $10 million to the local economy. Overall tourism spending in the district rose by 8.2%.

“More Kiwis have been discovering the opportunities we have in Selwyn, from great food to fantastic activities on the plains and in our stunning high country,” Broughton said. “It’s good to see the secret is spreading to international visitors that Selwyn is a wonderful place to visit.”