Upper Selwyn Huts Claim 'Victory'

Wednesday, 17 September 2025, 3:43 pm
Article: Jonathan Leask - Local Democracy Reporter

Upper Selwyn Huts residents are celebrating after finally have the certainty they were after.

The Selwyn District Council voted on Wednesday [Sep 17] to grant a new licence for occupation for a term of 30 years from July 1, 2026. Resident Graeme Young called the decision “a total victory after going to hell and back”.

Locals faced years of uncertainty as the council weighed up the future of the small Canterbury settlement.

The decision was made in front of a packed public gallery full of huts residents, too many to fit in the council chambers.

Selwyn District Council also voted to carry out a review at 20 years, including consultation with huts residents.

An updated environmental assessment would be carried out every 10 years through the licence.

After the residents exited the meeting, cheering in the hallway echoed into the chamber.

During the council discussion, Cr Elizabeth Mundt called it “the best outcome”.

It provided clarity to the residents, and she was pleased with the “guard rails” being put in place - referring to the environmental reporting and 20-year review.

Cr Lydia Gliddon apologised to the residents for the 18-month process dragging out to reach the decision.

The 30-year term provides certainty with “no predetermined end date”, she said.

She said it needs a discussion on "clear and agreed environmental triggers, not arbitrary timeframes.”

Cr Grant Miller said it was a “worthy solution” but he was also concerned the council and residents would be in the same position in 20 years.

“Hopefully the council of the day will do a better job [handling it].”

Cr Debra Hasson wanted to delve into the details of the draft deed of license only to be told that will be discussed by the next council.

She noted her concerns about provisions for dogs at the huts, which is next to a wildlife reserve.

The first fishing huts at the settlement were built in 1888 and, over time, more buildings were added for temporary use.

But some huts have become home to permanent residents, with the district council issuing 96 occupancy licences and locals estimating about 150 people live at the settlement.

In 2017, the district council explored the options of refusing to renew licences or to renew them for a lesser term, and decided in 2019 that the licences and renewals were "short-term and ultimately for a finite period”.

The district council in March 2024 voted to confirm residents would have to leave by 2039, but by July paused the process for further consultation.

The council received 209 submissions, in which 86% indicated that they opposed a closing date for the settlement being imposed, a message that was heard loud and clear at the hearings on August 7.

The deliberations on August 21 had the district councillors on the hearing panel leaning towards a recommendation of a 30-year license period that can be renewed.

There was no support for the environmental triggers (such as major flood events) that could terminate the licences.

The option of introducing a bond was not pursued or to include independent building inspection rights in the new deeds.

- LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air

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