Selwyn’s New Mayor Promises Single-Digit Rates Hike

Lydia Gliddon has taken office as the new mayor of Selwyn District, New Zealand’s fastest-growing area, with a commitment to limit the upcoming rates increase to a single digit. Gliddon, who won the election by a significant margin of 13,500 votes against three-term incumbent Sam Broughton, is eager to tackle the challenges ahead and implement the changes the community has demanded.

In her first public statements, Gliddon emphasized the need for action and accountability. “There are challenges, but what an opportunity. I’ve asked for this, and now it’s time to pivot to let’s start delivering,” she remarked. The change in leadership is particularly significant as the council has undergone a near-complete turnover, with seven councillors retiring, resulting in a loss of over 100 years of combined experience.

Gliddon recognizes the weight of her new role as a first-term mayor leading a largely inexperienced council. Her team now includes only 12 years of collective experience, primarily from third-term councillor Sophie McInnes. To mitigate this, Gliddon plans to leverage the expertise of former councillors in mentor roles. She stated, “A lot of that experience that was around our council table hasn’t just walked away from me.”

To ensure the council remains effective despite the changes, Gliddon is instituting a comprehensive induction process for new councillors. “Sometimes you have to go a bit slower at the start so you can go faster at the other end,” she explained. This strategy aims to equip councillors with the necessary tools to navigate their responsibilities.

The recent election campaign in Selwyn was marked by divisiveness, with candidates exchanging sharp criticisms. Gliddon has made it clear that such behavior will not be tolerated in her administration. “We now need to form a team. The community has chosen the people they want to represent them, so that all needs to be left behind. We all need to work together,” she stated.

While there were allegations of collusion among candidates, Gliddon expressed confidence in her council’s integrity. “I’m optimistic everyone is here for the best of the community. We have to have the best outcome for the community in mind, not towing some line of an agenda,” she said.

In her efforts to manage public finances, Gliddon aims to conduct a thorough line-by-line budget review to identify essential services such as roading and water. She plans to pinpoint areas where efficiencies can be achieved, delays can be implemented, or expenditures can be eliminated altogether. “I want to deliver a single-digit rate rise in the next annual plan,” she asserted.

Improving transparency is another priority for Gliddon, who intends to provide the community with clear, accessible information regarding how rates are allocated. She is also exploring cost-effective measures for public consultations to enhance community engagement. Although only 47% of eligible voters participated in the recent elections, this figure was the highest turnout in the last four elections.

Gliddon is aware that the community’s patience is limited. If the new council fails to deliver on promises of reduced rates and improved transparency, residents have shown a willingness to seek change in the next election cycle. As she steps into this pivotal role, Gliddon is determined to fulfill her commitments and foster a collaborative environment within the council.

This transition marks a critical juncture for Selwyn District, as Gliddon and her team work towards reshaping the governance of a rapidly growing community. The minds of the new council will be tested in the coming months as they strive to meet the expectations of their constituents while navigating the complexities of local government.