Rolleston

Selwyn District's robust growth has attracted many businesses to Izone contributing to the region’s ongoing commercial success.

Rolleston is just 12 minutes’ drive from Christchurch’s closest suburb of Hornby. Due to its location on the Canterbury Plains, residents enjoy spectacular rural views to the Southern Alps.

Township and Housing

In 2016 Rolleston had an estimated population of 13,080 and is projected to grow to almost 20,000 by 2023.

There are numerous existing and new housing options in Rolleston, and we anticipate more than 1000 new residential sections will be consented per year during the next few years.

Historically, homes in Rolleston have been more affordable than in Christchurch. However, prices are firming as a result of increased demand following the Canterbury earthquakes.

Beyond Rolleston's boundaries, Izone’s workforce is spoilt for choice with a wealth of rural lifestyle opportunities throughout the Selwyn District, all within a short commute to Christchurch.

Leisure & community

Rolleston has comprehensive community facilities and services which include an art gallery, library, community centre, two medical centres, regular festivals and weekly markets. The township’s shopping area has grown dramatically in size with construction of the Rolleston Square shopping centre, a new outlet of The Warehouse, two supermarkets and several new coffee shops and restaurants.

Rolleston has a strong network of sporting clubs covering rugby, football, netball and tennis to name a few. The Selwyn Aquatic Centre, which features a 25m swimming pool, opened in 2013. Two new primary schools and a secondary school opened in 2017, bringing the total number of Rolleston schools to six.

About The Selwyn District

Covering 649,000ha at the centre of New Zealand's South Island, Selwyn extends 150km west from the edge of Christchurch City to the snow-capped crests of the Southern Alps and Arthur's Pass National Park. The district is bounded north and south by the mountain-fed Waimakariri and Rakaia rivers, both of which contribute significant supplies of water for the region’s irrigation needs.

Agriculture is Selwyn's main economic driver. Viewed from the air, the flat Canterbury plains are a patchwork of sheep and dairy farms, as well as high value crops including specialist seeds and grain

Fertile alluvial soils combined with an abundance of pristine water further contribute to the region’s sound economic underpinnings. Selwyn’s vast underground water resource is the envy of the rest of New Zealand, delivering some of the purest potable water supplies in the world.

Selwyn is drier and sunnier than most parts of New Zealand. Summers have generally been getting hotter and drier and winters are becoming milder, with fewer frosts and less rain.

The Local Population

2013 Census information confirms Selwyn District is the fastest growing area of New Zealand. In the past four years the region’s population rose 24%, up from 45,000 to 56,000. During this period the average growth for New Zealand as a whole was 5.6%

The township of Rolleston, immediately adjacent to Izone, is known for almost exponential growth. Between 1995 and 2006 its population grew in excess of 250%, had reached 9,615 by the 2013 census and in 2016, Rolleston had an estimated population of 13,080. The town’s population is predicted to grow to 20,000 by 2023.

Izone's proximity to Christchurch also means an estimated 200,000 people reside within a half hour's drive of the industrial park.

The district is highly attractive to new residents thanks to diverse lifestyle opportunities and suitably priced residential properties. In the year to June 2013, Selwyn District Council issued a record number of new dwelling consents –1,084 in total, a 76% increase on the 616 consents issued the previous year. In 2014, the consents jumped to 1,613 - a 48% increase. In 2016, 1,489 consents were issued for new dwellings.

Over the last 10 years, Selwyn’s economy has ranked number one in New Zealand. During 2012, employment in the region increased by 9.5%, compared with the national average of 1%. In 2014 it grew by 3.6%, higher than the overall average of 3.2%. Selwyn’s GDP growth in 2016 was 5.1%, higher than the New Zealand average of 2.5%. Selwyn also continues to outperform the national economy in key indicators such as unemployment. In 2014, 1,200 new jobs were created in Selwyn. In 2016, the percentage of filled jobs in Selwyn rose 4.2%, compared with a national average of 2.7%.