Methven’s suburban calm is being replaced by a pattern of short stays and transient guests. Paul Dixey, a resident in one of the town’s newer developments, says Airbnb’s rapid spread is to blame. He’s urging the Ashburton District Council to step in now, warning, “The lack of regulation could lead to long-term disruption.”
Tourism Demand Fuels Airbnb Expansion
Tourism has long brought life to Methven, nestled near Mt Hutt and framed by alpine views. Now, it’s bringing something else — a wave of short-term rentals. Paul Dixey points to a telling ratio: “three of the 15 properties” are Airbnbs in his own subdivision.
Some locals are questioning what this growth means for the future of their neighbourhoods, with about 290 similar listings across Mid Canterbury.
Dixey Calls for Stronger Regulation in Rental Market
Dixey fears the short-term rental boom could overwhelm residential areas unless stronger rules are enforced. “The industry needs better regulation,” he said. “If they don’t act, I fear it will become epidemic and then how will they stop it?”
“It doesn’t seem right that properties are paying residential rates to the council but are operating as a commercial property,” he said. “It needs to be addressed when the hotels down the road are paying through the nose to be commercial accommodation operators.”
Council Reviews Policy in Response to Community Pressure
The Ashburton District Council has acknowledged the issue and says it is actively considering how best to address it. Ian Hyde, the council’s compliance and development group manager, said, “Council staff are looking at all these issues currently and have been reviewing work done by other councils.”
A workshop with councillors is planned this month to discuss Airbnb operations and broader visitor accommodation policy in the district. Accommodation for up to five guests is allowed as a permitted activity under current regulations. Property owners must apply for a resource consent.
“Sometimes people make an application once they realise that what they are doing requires consent,” said Hyde. He added that while the council prefers to work cooperatively, it can enforce rules under the Resource Management Act, including issuing fines or taking matters to court if necessary.
Residents Express Frustration Over Lax Enforcement
Dixey argues that enforcement of existing rules has been lacking. “We have no objection to them taking five guests but one has been advertising up to 12,” he said. He also raised concerns about absentee owners: “The rental owners are not onsite so do not know how many people turn up and cannot monitor behaviour.”
While most guests are respectful, Dixey noted, “you can get that one group that they have no control over.”
Consent Applications Spark Fears of Commercial Creep
The issue is not theoretical. One property in Methven has applied for retrospective land use consent to accommodate up to 11 guests, though limited to 90 nights per year which sets a worrying precedent to Dixey.
“It could set a dangerous precedent… What’s to stop every house on the street applying for consent to be an Airbnb?” he asked. “You might as well turn the whole place into a commercial accommodation area as the zoning rules aren’t worth the paper they are printed on.”
The quiet clash between tourism and residential life is heading to council chambers in Methven. A planned workshop could set the course for how the town manages its growing number of short-term rentals. “How to protect neighbourhoods from turning into unregulated hotel zones—before it’s too late,” asks Paul Dixey.