Thousands call for review of Selwyn water pricing after bill hikes
Tuesday 20 October 2026 · 4 outlets · 5 reports · updated 
More than 2,500 Selwyn residents have signed a petition urging a review of water charges following an 18 per cent price increase in July. Residents, including a dialysis patient, have reported significant financial pressure from rising costs and fixed charges issued by Selwyn Water.
Key facts
5 facts
- An 18% increase in water charges took effect in July
- A petition for a pricing review has over 2,500 signatures
- Fixed daily charges are $1.37 for drinking water and $2.61 for wastewater
- Unbilled water charges reached up to $2.9 million due to system failures
- Typical annual water bills are approximately $1,831
The full story
1 min read · 4 outlets
More than 2,500 people have signed a petition urging the Selwyn District Council to review its water charging structure. The petition, launched by Rolleston resident Benjamin Phan, seeks more affordable fixed charges and a reassessment of pricing. This follows an 18 per cent increase in water charges that took effect in July when Selwyn Water issued its first invoices.
Residents have reported significant financial pressure, including Claire Christie, a dialysis patient who secured a 50 per cent reduction in her bill after months of discussion. Christie noted that her medical treatment is a necessity, stating, "It’s a medical necessity, literally, to keep me alive". Other residents, such as Poonam Prethika and Zhe Wong, have expressed concerns regarding the rising cost of living and the impact of separate water billing.
Selwyn Water deputy chief executive Heather Geddes stated that approximately 75 per cent of charges relate to compliance and infrastructure renewals, while 23 per cent relates to servicing debt. Mayor Lydia Gliddon attributed rising costs to central government standards, ageing infrastructure, and district growth. The council has requested a one-year water services strategy to examine efficiencies before making long-term decisions.
An investigation found that council systems failed to capture approximately 2,700 properties between July 2024 and December last year, leaving up to $2.9 million in water charges unbilled. A council committee is scheduled to consider a water billing report this Thursday.
How it developed
- Tue 20 Oct, 6:45pmAn investigation revealed that 2,700 properties were not captured by council systems, resulting in $2.9 million in unbilled charges.
Where reports differ
- One report states a mother's bill was $526, while another reports it as $527
Compiled from reports by The Press, 1News, RNZ and Otago Daily Times.