Dunedin City Council

The Dunedin City Council provides local services and facilities, such as public transport, rubbish and recycling, libraries, parks, and recreation facilities. It also makes decisions about building and planning, local regulations, and infrastructure, such as water supply and sewerage. The council is made up of 14 councillors and the mayor. 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 Dunedin City 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.

  • Support Council's goal of Zero Carbon by 2030 and resource staff working on the actions required to meet that target.

    Support the council's work to embed climate change response strategy in all its operations and prioritise the need for an equitable transition.

    Strengthen communities to be more resilient in the face of climate change through various mechanisms, eg place-based funding.

  • Create a citywide transport plan in partnership with the regional council, iwi community, business and government institutions.

    Develop a network of shared paths that connect communities and connect us to nature with the goal of connecting the regional cycle trails.

    Reduce waste through the new four bin recycling system that separates green waste/food waste, glass, mixed recycling and general waste.

  • Incinerate rubbish to create cheaper heating and prevent need for additional landfill at Smooth Hill.

    Discourage the use of lithium batteries as it is environmentally irresponsible to mine for these rare resources.

    Plant community gardens at schools and parks so that our city is filled with eatable vegetables, fruit trees and herbs.

  • Protect the sand dunes that defend south Dunedin suburbs from the sea.

    Provide incentives for existing buildings to add renewable energy sources and requirements for their inclusion in new builds.

    Encourage better use of public transport by the development of a reliable, efficient, and convenient network.

  • Transition to an innovative, low-emission economy.

    Understand and prepare for the ongoing impacts of climate change.

    Protection of our natural environment and taonga.

  • Repair the groynes at St Clair to bring back the beach. Sand sausages are not working.

    Introduce small electric buses to Dunedin.

    Engage communities in discussions on coastal erosion. Natural hazard risks are managed effectively with science and sound engineering.

  • Strengthen resilience in our communities – risk reduction and readiness focus. Supporting CDEM, FENZ and flax-roots emergency response groups.

    Develop coastal erosion plans for affected communities. Addressing issues and identifying vulnerable groups eg populated low lying areas.

    Support the Dunedin City Council Carbon Zero 2030 plan – the reduction target for Dunedin City's emissions is in two parts ('split gas approach').

  • Commit to start adjusting the roads now for the future tides, not just leave it for future generations.

    Aim to get our recycling rates much higher, need to hurry up the bin upgrades and run a education on how to use the bins correctly.

    Resource civil defense adequately for major emergencies in Dunedin as it under resourced if there is a major event.

  • Commit to the council's carbon zero by 2030 goal.

    Ensure all future projects have minimal negative impacts on our environment.

    Commit to action based on the St Clair – St Kilda Coastal plan to protect our coastline and the residents of South Dunedin.

  • Educate Dunedin on how to recycle correctly to make our current recycling plan more efficient.

    Actively create relationships with our farmers in what they need and can see working, rather than just tell them what needs to be done.

    Actively connect with local communities to support beach erosion for all Dunedin beaches.

  • Commit to being carbon neutral and reducing greenhouse gas emmissions to net zero before the target of 2030.

    Recognise and plan for climate change risks and natural hazards such as earthquakes and major weather events.

    Plan for strategic withdrawal from areas subject to coastal inundation.

  • Support shift towards electric vehicles. Replace diesel buses with smaller electric buses and facilitate EV charging stations in the city.

    Take action on coastal erosion. I would support the groynes being re-installed at St Clair on a trial basis.

    Protect South Dunedin from future flood risk. Dunedin City Council should purchase Forbury Park to use for future flood mitigation.

  • Expand on the work being done in relation to coastal erosion on our main beach.

    Promote the South Dunedin protection plans to be specific to this low lying area.

    Align Dunedin's timeline to be carbon neutral with that of the government.

  • Protect South Dunedin with more sand on the beach to form a buffer against erosion, better pipework, and a second pump station at Orari St.

    Reduce emissions by prioritising electric and PHEV vehicles, optimising standing energy and improving public transport usage with convenience and reliability.

    Optimise our landfill emissions by reducing food waste inclusion. Recycle green waste to compost. Double landfill diversion.

  • Promote sustainable progress by supporting city wide emergency preparedness, adaption to climate change, and emissions reduction.

    Support work into managing climate change particularly in areas such as South Dunedin, The Taieri whilst considering socioeconomic impacts.

  • Continue the council's work towards being carbon zero in 2030.

    Continue the South Dunedin Futures work with the regional council to build community resilience to unavoidable climate impacts.

    Continue to evaluate means of building and maintaining environmental, social, cultural and economic wellbeing.

  • Give certainty to South Dunedin residents, by confirming the long-term plan for how the impact of climate change on them, will be managed.

    Support the policy of earthquake strengthening vulnerable council-owned property.

    Incorporate the impact of climate change into appropriate council policies.

  • Support development of a hydrogen refueling and electric charging network. Incentivise community transition into low emission travel.

    Actively maintain, improve and strengthen infrastructure. Improve flood protection and erosion measures and identify vulnerable communities.

    Strengthen civil defence systems, training and equipment. Enable greater community engagement and increase community resilience.

  • Support every household in the Dunedin area to have a civil defence plan.

  • Action is needed. We have had a lot of talk but in my opinion not a lot of action on climate change. We have an ambitious goal of 2030.

    A written plan is needed to achieve our 2030 goal. We need action steps and timelines, and to mentor businesses to be more sustainable.

    Buses need to be free or heavily subsidised, and more regular, along with a daily train service from Mosgiel to Dunedin to help reduce cars.

  • Promote the need to play our part, individually and collectively, to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions.

    Improve the recycling system, so less waste reaches landfill. Deal with our rubbish streams and not export them elsewhere.

    Spend a lot more money on adaptation than on green initiatives that are questionable, at best.

  • Progress the South Dunedin Future programme, in partnership with Otago Regional Council and affected communities, actioning our response to climate change.

    Implement next steps of the St Clair – St Kilda Coastal Plan to protect our coastline, beaches access and support for impacted communities.

    Support the council's zero carbon by 2030 goal to make it happen.

  • Create climate change action plan.

    Implement climate change strategies into all decision making.

    Prioritise climate change adaptation strategy for South Dunedin.

  • Deliver a Dunedin Climate Change Action Plan with targeted annual implementation plans.

    Lobby central government to produce a national plan to address and fund local government climate issues.

    Ensure Dunedin City Council (DCC) leads by example with a DCC specific climate actionable plan.

  • Bring coastal protection a higher priority to council.

    Address the public transport with smaller eco friendly buses.

    Apply compassionate solutions to flooding problems in the city.

  • Align all Dunedin City Council strategy, policy and practice to the 17 United Nations Sustainability Development Goals, to directly benefit all ratepayers.

    Commit to the Dunedin City Council's Zero Carbon 2030 strategy by developing sustainable and cost-effective solutions to directly combat climate change.

    Combat rising sea levels/erosion by proactively working with experts and communities to find, decide and implement sustainable solutions.

  • Refer DCC Spatial Plan.

    Commit to carbon neutrality by 2030.

    Implement DCC Integrated Transport Plan.

  • Support Council's goal of Zero Carbon by 2030 and resource staff working on the actions required to meet that target.

    Support the council's work to embed climate change response strategy in all its operations and prioritise the need for an equitable transition.

    Strengthen communities to be more resilient in the face of climate change through various mechanisms, eg place-based funding.

  • Create a citywide transport plan in partnership with the regional council, iwi community, business and government institutions.

    Develop a network of shared paths that connect communities and connect us to nature with the goal of connecting the regional cycle trails.

    Reduce waste through the new four bin recycling system that separates green waste/food waste, glass, mixed recycling and general waste.

  • Incinerate rubbish to create cheaper heating and prevent need for additional landfill at Smooth Hill.

    Discourage the use of lithium batteries as it is environmentally irresponsible to mine for these rare resources.

    Plant community gardens at schools and parks so that our city is filled with eatable vegetables, fruit trees and herbs.

  • Protect the sand dunes that defend south Dunedin suburbs from the sea.

    Provide incentives for existing buildings to add renewable energy sources and requirements for their inclusion in new builds.

    Encourage better use of public transport by the development of a reliable, efficient, and convenient network.

  • Transition to an innovative, low-emission economy.

    Understand and prepare for the ongoing impacts of climate change.

    Protection of our natural environment and taonga.

  • Repair the groynes at St Clair to bring back the beach. Sand sausages are not working.

    Introduce small electric buses to Dunedin.

    Engage communities in discussions on coastal erosion. Natural hazard risks are managed effectively with science and sound engineering.

  • Strengthen resilience in our communities – risk reduction and readiness focus. Supporting CDEM, FENZ and flax-roots emergency response groups.

    Develop coastal erosion plans for affected communities. Addressing issues and identifying vulnerable groups eg populated low lying areas.

    Support the Dunedin City Council Carbon Zero 2030 plan – the reduction target for Dunedin City's emissions is in two parts ('split gas approach').

  • Commit to start adjusting the roads now for the future tides, not just leave it for future generations.

    Aim to get our recycling rates much higher, need to hurry up the bin upgrades and run a education on how to use the bins correctly.

    Resource civil defense adequately for major emergencies in Dunedin as it under resourced if there is a major event.

  • Commit to the council's carbon zero by 2030 goal.

    Ensure all future projects have minimal negative impacts on our environment.

    Commit to action based on the St Clair – St Kilda Coastal plan to protect our coastline and the residents of South Dunedin.

  • Educate Dunedin on how to recycle correctly to make our current recycling plan more efficient.

    Actively create relationships with our farmers in what they need and can see working, rather than just tell them what needs to be done.

    Actively connect with local communities to support beach erosion for all Dunedin beaches.

  • Commit to being carbon neutral and reducing greenhouse gas emmissions to net zero before the target of 2030.

    Recognise and plan for climate change risks and natural hazards such as earthquakes and major weather events.

    Plan for strategic withdrawal from areas subject to coastal inundation.

  • Support shift towards electric vehicles. Replace diesel buses with smaller electric buses and facilitate EV charging stations in the city.

    Take action on coastal erosion. I would support the groynes being re-installed at St Clair on a trial basis.

    Protect South Dunedin from future flood risk. Dunedin City Council should purchase Forbury Park to use for future flood mitigation.

  • Expand on the work being done in relation to coastal erosion on our main beach.

    Promote the South Dunedin protection plans to be specific to this low lying area.

    Align Dunedin's timeline to be carbon neutral with that of the government.

  • Protect South Dunedin with more sand on the beach to form a buffer against erosion, better pipework, and a second pump station at Orari St.

    Reduce emissions by prioritising electric and PHEV vehicles, optimising standing energy and improving public transport usage with convenience and reliability.

    Optimise our landfill emissions by reducing food waste inclusion. Recycle green waste to compost. Double landfill diversion.

  • Promote sustainable progress by supporting city wide emergency preparedness, adaption to climate change, and emissions reduction.

    Support work into managing climate change particularly in areas such as South Dunedin, The Taieri whilst considering socioeconomic impacts.

  • Continue the council's work towards being carbon zero in 2030.

    Continue the South Dunedin Futures work with the regional council to build community resilience to unavoidable climate impacts.

    Continue to evaluate means of building and maintaining environmental, social, cultural and economic wellbeing.

  • Give certainty to South Dunedin residents, by confirming the long-term plan for how the impact of climate change on them, will be managed.

    Support the policy of earthquake strengthening vulnerable council-owned property.

    Incorporate the impact of climate change into appropriate council policies.

  • Support development of a hydrogen refueling and electric charging network. Incentivise community transition into low emission travel.

    Actively maintain, improve and strengthen infrastructure. Improve flood protection and erosion measures and identify vulnerable communities.

    Strengthen civil defence systems, training and equipment. Enable greater community engagement and increase community resilience.

  • Support every household in the Dunedin area to have a civil defence plan.

  • Action is needed. We have had a lot of talk but in my opinion not a lot of action on climate change. We have an ambitious goal of 2030.

    A written plan is needed to achieve our 2030 goal. We need action steps and timelines, and to mentor businesses to be more sustainable.

    Buses need to be free or heavily subsidised, and more regular, along with a daily train service from Mosgiel to Dunedin to help reduce cars.

  • Promote the need to play our part, individually and collectively, to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions.

    Improve the recycling system, so less waste reaches landfill. Deal with our rubbish streams and not export them elsewhere.

    Spend a lot more money on adaptation than on green initiatives that are questionable, at best.

  • Progress the South Dunedin Future programme, in partnership with Otago Regional Council and affected communities, actioning our response to climate change.

    Implement next steps of the St Clair – St Kilda Coastal Plan to protect our coastline, beaches access and support for impacted communities.

    Support the council's zero carbon by 2030 goal to make it happen.

  • Create climate change action plan.

    Implement climate change strategies into all decision making.

    Prioritise climate change adaptation strategy for South Dunedin.

  • Deliver a Dunedin Climate Change Action Plan with targeted annual implementation plans.

    Lobby central government to produce a national plan to address and fund local government climate issues.

    Ensure Dunedin City Council (DCC) leads by example with a DCC specific climate actionable plan.

  • Bring coastal protection a higher priority to council.

    Address the public transport with smaller eco friendly buses.

    Apply compassionate solutions to flooding problems in the city.

  • Align all Dunedin City Council strategy, policy and practice to the 17 United Nations Sustainability Development Goals, to directly benefit all ratepayers.

    Commit to the Dunedin City Council's Zero Carbon 2030 strategy by developing sustainable and cost-effective solutions to directly combat climate change.

    Combat rising sea levels/erosion by proactively working with experts and communities to find, decide and implement sustainable solutions.

  • Refer DCC Spatial Plan.

    Commit to carbon neutrality by 2030.

    Implement DCC Integrated Transport Plan.