Amalgamate, or not? Press readers give their verdict on Christchurch-Selwyn merger

Monday, 11 May 2026

Two leaders, one potential merger? Christchurch Mayor Phil Mauger, left, and Selwyn Mayor Lydia Gliddon, right.

Hundreds of The Press readers have given their view on a Canterbury Super City-style amalgamation.

And while there was close to a 50-50 split on a total merger between Christchurch and Selwyn, there is clear support for merging some council roles.

Central Government has given councils three months to submit proposals to amalgamate councils into larger unitary authorities - or it will step in and do it for them. Each proposal needed at least two councils.

Christchurch Mayor Phil Mauger earlier said the council had already expressed interest in absorbing Environment Canterbury functions and becoming a unitary city, but neither Waimakariri or Selwyn appear keen on the idea.

At last week’s Environment Canterbury briefing, most councillors thought Canterbury would be split into two, three or four new entities, depending how mayors and chief executives finalised negotiations.

Hundreds of people have so far voted in a non-scientific Press poll published Monday morning, asking should Christchurch and Selwyn councils merge into a Greater Christchurch mega council. Here is the way the vote went:

Tell us your thoughts by voting in the poll yourself, or sharing a comment.