Otago Regional Council

Dunstan Constituency
The Otago Regional Council makes decisions about managing resources in the region, such as air, water, soil and the coastline. It also carries out plant and pest control, helps prepare for natural disasters, and is involved in regional transport. The council is made up of 12 councillors. Councillors are elected to represent constituencies (areas in the region). four councillors will be elected from the Dunstan  constituency. This is a single transferable vote (STV) election, so you vote by ranking the candidates on your ballot paper. Compare the candidates and their policies to decide who to vote for in the Otago Regional Council election.

Climate change and resilience

Climate change poses a huge challenge for communities as more frequent extreme weather events require us to rethink how we live and where. Local authorities are at the forefront of efforts to respond, with responsibilities for environmental planning and regulation, as well as civil defence. Many councils have plans to reduce emissions in their area and are working to help their communities adapt to a warming world.

Climate change and resilience

Climate change poses a huge challenge for communities as more frequent extreme weather events require us to rethink how we live and where. Local authorities are at the forefront of efforts to respond, with responsibilities for environmental planning and regulation, as well as civil defence. Many councils have plans to reduce emissions in their area and are working to help their communities adapt to a warming world.

  • Ensure plans are in place and workable to prevent climate change land erosion cutting off communities and reducing productive land.

    Focus on achievable targets which support primary industries ability to adhere to pendulum swing climate change legislation.

    Prepare for potential increased flood events through increased native planting and reduced crack willow which risk damage to infrastructure.

  • Choose adaptation rather than mitigation as the primary climate change policy, recognising this is appropriate for areas such as South Dunedin and Glenorchy.

    Build floodbanks at Glenorchy, moving beyond talk and reports to construct the necessary protection.

    Anticipate invasive pests as part of adaptation and emphasise forward thinking and prevention rather than reactive responses by the Otago Regional Council.

  • Act as a leader for emission reductions through monitoring and reducing emissions within ORC.

    Continue the climate resilience program of data collection and monitoring to ensure the right details are known for adaption to change.

    Ensure preparedness for emergencies through community-based emergency response groups by resourcing and supporting them.

  • Ensure plans are in place and workable to prevent climate change land erosion cutting off communities and reducing productive land.

    Focus on achievable targets which support primary industries ability to adhere to pendulum swing climate change legislation.

    Prepare for potential increased flood events through increased native planting and reduced crack willow which risk damage to infrastructure.

  • Choose adaptation rather than mitigation as the primary climate change policy, recognising this is appropriate for areas such as South Dunedin and Glenorchy.

    Build floodbanks at Glenorchy, moving beyond talk and reports to construct the necessary protection.

    Anticipate invasive pests as part of adaptation and emphasise forward thinking and prevention rather than reactive responses by the Otago Regional Council.

  • Act as a leader for emission reductions through monitoring and reducing emissions within ORC.

    Continue the climate resilience program of data collection and monitoring to ensure the right details are known for adaption to change.

    Ensure preparedness for emergencies through community-based emergency response groups by resourcing and supporting them.