Selwyn's acting mayor believes the region's continued growth has given the District Council the certainty to plan for the future.

The Canterbury region has retained its title of fasted growing region for the eighth year running, increasing by six-point-five percent in the year to June.

Acting mayor Sarah Walters said the steady growth is much better than a one-off boom.

"Having that certainty gives us good ability to make financial decisions to think about what the community needs to support it."

Sarah Walters said the increasing rate-payer base also means the council can make the big investments the community needs.

Walters said there's s put a lot of pressure on services like schools.

"There's been a lot of pressure around Rolleston for schools and I think the Ministry of Education is starting to recognise that now, I think they didn't in the early stages so there's actually three new schools in development."