A Selwyn District Council meeting turned volatile on Thursday during the first day of annual plan submissions, resulting in a fiery exchange between council leadership and a former political candidate.
The confrontation centered on Chris Till, who unsuccessfully ran for the council under the Act Party banner in the Kā Mānia Rolleston Ward last year. During the meeting, Till accused the current council of failing to provide the “profound change” that voters desired, describing the governing body as a “high-spending, irritatingly woke council.”
Clash Over Council Direction
Till argued that despite the 2025 local elections bringing in a new mayor and a “new-look council,” the fundamental nature of the administration remained unchanged. He characterized the previous leadership as a “three-term socialist regime” and claimed that this same approach had persisted, stating, “Meet the new boss, same as the old boss.”
Deputy Mayor Brendan “Big Red” Shefford responded sharply to the accusations, noting that Till’s criticisms appeared virtually identical to those made during his election campaign six months prior. Shefford defended the current leadership, stating, “I like to think we actually have a pretty good leader at the top of the table.”
The tension peaked when Shefford addressed Till directly: “I’ll be upfront, I’m glad you are not sitting around this table.”
Policy Disputes and Governance
The exchange extended into specific governance disputes. When questioned by Councillor Samuel Wilshire on what he would have done differently if elected, Till stated he would have completely rewritten the council’s long-term plan through a special consultative procedure. In response to Wilshire’s questions regarding the cost of such a process, Till asked, “What’s the cost if you don’t do it? You’re still working the the plan of the old regime.”
In a written submission, Till further criticized the council’s unanimous decision to maintain a mana whenua seat that carries speaking but not voting rights. He wrote that the council’s credibility is “already shot” by sacrificing “democracy and racial equality on the altar of expediency.” Till also suggested that the organization should rename itself the “Craven District Council.”
Leadership Response
Mayor Lydia Gliddon addressed the friction, acknowledging that “a good leader can recognise differences of opinion in our community.”
The Mayor also responded to a suggestion in Till’s written submission that she should “grow some kahunas.” Gliddon replied, “Being a woman, I don’t have any, but there is no better man for a job than a woman.”
Significance and Outlook
The intensity of the exchange highlights a deep ideological divide regarding the council’s spending and social direction. The level of public engagement is notably high, with the council receiving a record 944 submissions on its draft annual plan.
Moving forward, the council may face continued pressure from critics who view the 2025 election shake-up as insufficient. Future submissions could potentially mirror Till’s demands for a radical rewrite of the long-term plan, which may lead to further debates over the financial and political costs of such a procedure.
