Residents of a small lakeside settlement in Canterbury are celebrating securing their future after a long-fought battle against eviction.

The Selwyn District Council adopted a new Upper Selwyn Huts 30-year Deed of Licence on Tuesday, bringing relief to the residents.

Selwyn Huts Owners Association chairperson Graeme Young said the new licence restores their dignity.

“[It's] the restoration of our basic right to live peacefully in our homes,” Young said.

“For over 20 years the community at the Selwyn Huts have been made to feel like second-class citizens.

“The despise with which we were held culminated in the threat to have us removed.

“In the face of this we stood firm.”

In 2019, the council signalled it wanted to evict the settlement near Lake Ellesmere by 2039.

The 95 huts are located on the Springston South Reserve, a Crown-owned reserve managed by the council.

In 2024, the council revisited the position, leading to a fresh consultation process.

The threat of eviction was due to the lack of a sustainable, compliant wastewater system and the rising climate change and flood risks from Te Waihora/Lake Ellesmere.

After an outcry from locals, the council in September 2025 decided to grant a new 30-year licence term, replacing the earlier eviction plan.

Fellow resident Kirrily Fea described the “seismic shift” for the huts when the new council was elected in October.

“Since then, we have gone from being a problem to be eliminated, to feeling respected, valued, and listened to.”

The new licence marks the end of a challenging chapter for the historic settlement and the "beginning of a new era of security, stability, and peace”.

The council unanimously adopted the new licence to cheers and applause from the hut residents in the chambers.

Mayor Lydia Gliddon called the new licences a “partnership in good faith” that allows the hut holders to get on with their lives “and us to hop out of the way”.

She acknowledged it hasn’t been easy for the hut holders and the new deed is the beginning of a new era.

“It’s great to finally be here.”

Council interim chief executive Steve Gibling said the council had worked hard over the past six months to understand the hut holders' views and balance that with council’s obligations.

“I think we have done that with respect, and through a conversation based on building relationships first, and it’s a legal document second”.

First-term councillor Samuel Wilshire apologised for the actions of previous councils to a community that has been “treated appallingly”

“You’ve outlaid significant resources emotionally, financially, mentally for simply wanting to exist”.

He said he was pleased with a resolution that allows residents to “continue to enjoy the lovely little piece of paradise”.

The existing licences expired on Monday (June 30) but will be temporarily extended for up to one month to allow time to sign the new agreements.

Gibling told councillors they plan to mark the “milestone moment” with a formal signing ceremony in the near future.

A formal review of the licences will take place after 20 years.

By Jonathan Leask