Selwyn Times conducted a poll of residents across the district to get their views on the idea.
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The views were split with 48 per cent saying they’d be happy to help pay for the stadium and 52 per cent saying they are against the idea.
Mayor Sam Broughton and his only challenger for the mayoralty Bill Woods were also asked for their views.
Mr Broughton said he did not have enough information to make a decision as he had not been given information over what it might cost Selwyn ratepayers.
Last year, Mr Broughton said Selwyn should help to fund the stadium. But in May this year he changed his mind and told Selwyn Times that ratepayers in the district should not contribute.
Mr Woods said he would find it very hard to present a rational case to ratepayers on the benefits of contributing to the stadium because of its location.
Many residents who were against the idea said the cost of rates was the main reason for not wanting to help.
The latest annual Taxpayers Organisation’s ratepayers report, based on 2017/18 figures, shows the district’s average residential rates of $2508 were the second-highest in Canterbury and in the top 20 in New Zealand.
Many of the residents who were happy to help fund the stadium said it was because it would be an asset for the whole region.
The People’s Choice, a Labour-aligned group, which is seeking a majority on the Christchurch City Council at October’s local body elections wants ratepayers across all of Canterbury to contribute to the stadium’s cost.
This would save Christchurch ratepayers up to $200 million, it says.
The Christchurch City Council has allocated $253 million for a stadium. The Government will contribute another $220 million.
Construction is set to begin in 2021 and is due to be completed by early 2024.
Mr Woods said the main issue is the accessibility to people in the district.
“The Lancaster Park site was difficult enough but the new site will be even worse,” he said.
The Multi-Use Arena is proposed to be located in the East Frame.
Mr Broughton said he understands the Government and Christchurch city budgets cover the costs of the stadium.
“So that being the case, great, they should go on and build it,” he said.
