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AGM 2025 Chairmans Report - Draft Minutes
Darfield Christmas Parade 2025
Successful Santa Parade for Darfield
The weather played ball and crowds line the Parade route for the inaugural Darfield Santa Parade held just prior to Christmas. Organised by the DRA, with generous support from sponsors, the Parade was an outstanding success.
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A small ceremony on Saturday 14 September 2025 marked the reopening of the 110-year-old Darfield Jail, a much-loved landmark on the township's main street and the ribbon cutting to a memorial seat in front of the building.
The DRA has now taken over the running of the jail from the Selwyn District Council and has refreshed the interior with a new display outlining the building's history. The DRA is committed to ensuring the jail is regularly open for locals and visitors to explore.
"Preserving places like the jail is about keeping out stories alive. Selwyn has a rich history dating back to 1860s, and we're proud to help share that with future generations"
Water Station
With a number of unfiltered water stations being introduced across Selwyn, we’ve been actively working with the Selwyn District Council to bring one to our community.
This has been a somewhat frustrating outcome however a local for the water station has been found and we are now seeking sponsorship for this project.
Security Cameras - Rec Centre
There have been ongoing discussions with Selwyn District Council regarding the installation of surveillance at the Recreation Centre and surrounding grounds due to a number of issues in the area. While we recognise the importance of security, we are mindful of the fine line between ensuring safety and respecting privacy, especially when it comes to photographing or recording individuals in public spaces.
We are committed to finding a balanced solution that prioritises the safety and well-being of our community, and we will continue to explore options that comply with privacy laws while addressing concerns. Community safety remains priority.
We are committed to finding a balanced solution that prioritises the safety and well-being of our community, and we will continue to explore options that comply with privacy laws while addressing concerns. Community safety remains priority.
2025 Multicultural Dinner
Darfield's diverse community came together (06sep25) in vibrant fashion for the 3rd annual Multicultural Dinner, held at the Darfield Recreation Centre and organised by the DRA with support from the Selwyn District Council.
Representing countries as varied as Colombia and India, residents shared traditional dishes, stories and performances in a warm and welcoming atmosphere that reflected the spirit of inclusion and connection.
New Sports Centre
As part of Selwyn District Council’s Long-Term Plan (LTP), a new sports centre has been approved for Darfield. While no plans have been conceptualised at this stage, we encourage everyone to think about how this new facility could benefit our community.
James Richmond, Head of Sport & Recreation for Selwyn DIstrict Council recently gave a high-level presentation regarding the Malvern Indoor Courts Project noting that SDC LTP feedback showed a preference for at least one court. The presentation included examples of other sports centres nationwide which highlighted examples of opportunities available and different funding options. The project is in very early stages with further research, stakeholder discussions and consultation to come before plans are finalised. Opening is expected in 2029/30.
Feedback raised at the AGM on 24jul25, covered:Roading/pedestrian concerns given that Darfield is dominated by SH73; SDC confirmed NZTA would be a big partner to ensure safe accessFunding opportunities were raised; SDC confirmed they would be seeking sponsorship for new and existing facilitiesExisting recreation centre additions were an option; SDC advised that additions would result in raising the standard of the existing building to meet the new building code, with this avenue to be investigated furtherParking was at a premium currently; SDC confirmed that new parking would be included in the final planFlooring construction options were raised; SDC advised that resin or sprung wooden flooring were the two common options, both of which had pros and cons.
Rates Relief - Sewerage Investigation Fund
For a number of years, residents have been subject to an $83 annual charge included in their rates. We have actively advocated for the removal of this charge, as well as the refunding of the balance in the fund to ratepayers.
We are pleased to report that the $83 charge has now been removed from the rates. However, the remaining funds will likely be used to contribute to the connection of the sewer system to households. NOTE: SDC have made no decision on the cost expectations around connections.
We are pleased to report that the $83 charge has now been removed from the rates. However, the remaining funds will likely be used to contribute to the connection of the sewer system to households. NOTE: SDC have made no decision on the cost expectations around connections.
There is a lot written about Darfield and its features, attractions, visitor and lifestyle opportunities, but it takes a lot of trolling through the internet. The DRA has the vision of collating all that information and bringing it to you in one user-friendly website.
For visitors, our vision is to attract them to our township and provide them experiences that will bring them back, time and time again.
And for locals, particularly those looking to move here/have recently moved here, our vision is to help them settle into their new lifestyle by informing them of local business, sports teams or community and hobby groups, plus local events.
For visitors, our vision is to attract them to our township and provide them experiences that will bring them back, time and time again.
And for locals, particularly those looking to move here/have recently moved here, our vision is to help them settle into their new lifestyle by informing them of local business, sports teams or community and hobby groups, plus local events.
As Darfield continues its growth from small settlement to thriving rural township, we continue to consider how we connect with each other, our amenities and suppliers.
We want to ensure safe and practical movement through town that aligns with current pathways. We do this particularly our youth and elderly in mind.
Whilst the DRA is unable to affect the decisions made on South Terrace, managed by NZTA, we are able to petition Selwyn District Council for new crossings on our urban roads. Work will begin on this on three locations within the near future.
There is limited public transport available to Darfield residents with only a limited bus service (which is very popular) into Christchurch early in the morning and returning in the evening.
The DRA submitted to the Regional Council Long Term Plan suggesting additional services both to Christchurch and Rolleston.
With the current population growth plus a number of older age residents, the ongoing need for better bus service is apparent and demand will continue to grow.
Water Chlorination
A topic of considerable interest to Darfield residents is that of chlorination of our water supply. Drawn from deep acquifers, the Darfield supply had a deserved reputation as a pristine source of pure water for residents. Unfortunately, problems elsewhere have led to the requirement to chlorinate all water supplies from a public health perspective until the distribution systems can be guaranteed completely secure.
The reality for Darfield is that this work will not only be extremely expensive but we are also last on the priority list for Selwyn Council, meaning chlorine-free water is not a realistic possibility in the foreseeable future. The DRA is therefore looking to provide a de-chlorination station which we envisage sited at Tussock Square where anyone could access water from the town supply which has been filtered to remove the chlorine. Councils such as Napier, Hastings, and Hurunui currently provide such stations.
We are working with Selwyn Council to ascertain if they will provide one for Darfield and, if not, we are prepared to seek sponsorship to install one ourselves.
The reality for Darfield is that this work will not only be extremely expensive but we are also last on the priority list for Selwyn Council, meaning chlorine-free water is not a realistic possibility in the foreseeable future. The DRA is therefore looking to provide a de-chlorination station which we envisage sited at Tussock Square where anyone could access water from the town supply which has been filtered to remove the chlorine. Councils such as Napier, Hastings, and Hurunui currently provide such stations.
We are working with Selwyn Council to ascertain if they will provide one for Darfield and, if not, we are prepared to seek sponsorship to install one ourselves.
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