Selwyn District was established as part of the 1989 local government reforms. It was formed from Ellesmere County, Malvern County, and part of Paparua County.[4]
The first mayor, Ann Hurford, was from an old Ellesmere farming family. The second mayor, Bill Woods, also held the mayoralty for one term (1992–1995). Woods is a perennial candidate and once stated he was "addicted" to elections; he was one of five candidates in the 2016 mayoral election.[5][6] Michael McEvedy was mayor for four terms from 1995 to 2007, when he retired.[7]
At the 2007 election, Kelvin Coe took over from McEvedy, being successful against four other candidates.[8]
At the 2010 election, Coe defended himself against a challenge by former mayor Woods.[9]
At the 2013 election, there were six candidates for the mayoralty (including former mayor Woods and then-future mayor Broughton), but Coe remained successful.[10]
During the 2016 election, Coe stood down (after serving three terms) and five candidates contested the election, including former mayor Woods.[5][11] Sam Broughton was elected and at the time, became one of the country's youngest mayors ever at the age of 35.[12]
At the 2019 election, Broughton won his second term as mayor, contesting against former mayor Woods.[13]
At the 2022 election, Sam Broughton won a third term in office, running against Calvin Payne and former mayor Woods.