Agenda of Civic Affairs Committee - Tuesday, 17 June 2025

Civic Affairs Committee

17 June 2025

Civic Affairs Committee

MINUTES

Minutes of an ordinary meeting of the Civic Affairs Committee held in the Council Chambers, Dunedin Public Art Gallery, The Octagon, Dunedin on Tuesday 11 March 2025, commencing at 10.00 am

PRESENT

Chairperson	Cr Bill Acklin
Deputy Chairperson	Cr Marie Laufiso
Members	Cr Sophie Barker	Cr David Benson-Pope
	Cr Christine Garey	Cr Kevin Gilbert
	Cr Carmen Houlahan	Cr Cherry Lucas
	Cr Mandy Mayhem	Cr Jim O'Malley
	Mayor Jules Radich	Cr Brent Weatherall
	Cr Steve Walker
	Cr Andrew Whiley

IN ATTENDANCE

Rob West (General Manager Corporate Services), Scott MacLean (General Manager Climate and City Growth), Paul Henderson (Acting Group Manager Customer and Regulatory), Mike Perkins (City Development Engineer), Jeanine Benson (Group Manager Transport), Sharon Bodeker (Special Projects Lead), Anna Neilson (Group Manager Property), Mike Cartwright (Quality Improvement Specialist), Chief Information Officer (Graeme Riley), Archives Project Manager (Jill Haley), Prue Milbank (Archivist) and Project Manager (Martine Smith)

Governance Support Officer Jennifer Lapham

1 Public Forum

There was no Public Forum.

2 Apologies

Apologies were received from Cr Steve Walker for lateness and Cr Lee Vandervis for absence

Moved (Cr Bill Acklin/Cr Marie Laufiso):

That the Committee:

Accepts the apologies from Cr Steve Walker for lateness and Cr Vandervis for absence.

Motion carried

3 Confirmation of agenda

Moved (Cr Bill Acklin/Cr Mandy Mayhem):

That the Committee:

Confirms the agenda with the addition of supplementary “Mayoral Scholarship” to be taken before item 9.

Motion carried

4 Declarations of interest

Members were reminded of the need to stand aside from decision-making when a conflict arose between their role as an elected representative and any private or other external interest they might have.

Moved (Cr Bill Acklin/Cr Marie Laufiso):

That the Committee:

a) Notes the Elected Members' Interest Register and

b) Confirms the proposed management plan for Elected Members' Interests.

Motion Carried

5 Confirmation of Minutes

5.1 Civic Affairs Committee meeting - 5 November 2024

Moved (Cr Bill Acklin/Cr Marie Laufiso):

That the Committee:

a) Confirms the public and non public of the minutes of the Civic Affairs Committee meeting held on 5 November 2024 as a correct record.

Motion carried (CAC/2025/001)

Part A Reports

6 Civic Affairs Committee Forward Work Programme

In a report from Civic an update was provided on the Civic Affairs Committee Forward Work Programme.

The General Manager Corporate Services (Mr Rob West) spoke to the report and responded to questions.

Moved (Cr Bill Acklin/Cr Marie Laufiso):

That the Committee:

a) Notes the Civic Affairs Committee forward work programme.

Motion carried (CAC/2025/002)

7 Community Board Forum
	Mosgiel Taieri Community Board The Chairperson, Andrew Simms and Board member, Austen Banks spoke to the Committee and provided an overview of the key points in the Boards Community Plan. · Transport Issues in and around Mosgiel is the Board’s number one priority · Priority Two is the development of shared paths onto and across the Taieri. · The Third priority is flood protection for the Taieri · Priority Four is pedestrian and road safety across the Taieri
	Otago Peninsula Community Board The Chairperson, Paul Pope and Deputy Chairperson Hoani Langsbury spoke about the key issues in the Board area and responded to questions. · The importance of getting the section of the Transport Connection completed around Harington Point · Requested that a toilet be installed on the beach side of Macandrew Bay. The area is popular and it is dangerous crossing the road to the hall. · The future of the old school site at Tomahawk needs to get resolved.
	Saddle Hill Community Board The Chairperson, Paul Weir spoke the main issues for the Community Board: · During the last Civil Defence activation there had been a flooding issue in Ocean View, but pipes had been replaced. · The Board were concerned about the maintenance of open drains and the impact on flooding in heavy rain. · The Board would like a coastal erosion report as a lot of road on the way to Taieri Mouth is falling into the sea. · Brighton Gala day, and one of the big issues is the shared pathway from Brighton to Ocean view. · Shared pathway from Waldronville to Ocean View. He advised that it was tourist trail and shared path would make it safer for people walking or cycling. · The Board had a Civil Defence open day, in conjunction with Civil Defence, Red Cross and the Fire Brigade. They had about 130 people attend.
	Strath Taieri Community Board The Deputy Chairperson, Anna Wilson and Board member Robin Thomas commented on the following issues: · Spoke on the activities and community groups which are contributing to a thriving community. · Request ongoing involvement in the following key points a) Resolving the flooding issues in Middlemarch. b) Continue assistance with the Place Based funding programmes. c) Support and advice to develop an overarching development plan for upgrading the township d) Creation and formalisation of the significant heritage buildings in relation to the Railway Station and maintenance of these buildings before the train returns. e) Assistance and advice in creating a destination experience for the Strath Taieri area f) That attractions on the newly created scenic highway be promoted at the visitor’s centre.
	Waikouaiti Coast Community Board The Chairperson, Alasdair Morrison and Deputy Chairperson, Andy Barratt commented on the key issues for the Board: · Requested that the funding remain in the budgets for the Northern Wastewater schemes · Asked that a grant of $30,000 be approved to support the operation, development, and expansion of the One Coast Community Waste Management facility. · Truby King Recreational Reserve is in better shape, but they are concerned the lack of progress for implementing the Management Plan for this reserve. · Suggested the Boards be allocated another equal amount to the project fund, to allow the boards to engage local people to undertake various tasks within the community, i.e. grass verge maintenance, vegetation clearance and address the arise from time to time. · Still looking for signage indicating Truby King Recreational Reserve. Cr Walker entered the meeting at 10.57 pm
	West Harbour Community Board The Chairperson, Ange McErlane spoke to the Committee on key issues for the Board: · The Board would like the cycleway to finish at the Jan Tucker memorial seat in Port Chalmers, instead the other side of the State Highway. She advised that it was dangerous for cyclists crossing the road. · The road from Careys Bay to Port at Boiler Point has had a bus stop installed and this is causing the road to become unsafe. · Would like the Council to consider using the water reservoirs as a recreational asset for the area, as they are very popular as recreational facilities.

8 DCC Archive Upgrade Project

In a report from Business Information Services an update was provided on the upgrade of the Council’s archives to meet the Archives New Zealand Standards for maintenance of a public archive mandated under the Public Records Act 2005.

The Chief Information Officer (Graeme Riley), Archives Project Manager (Jill Haley), Archivist (Prue Milbank) and Project Manager (Martine Smith) provided a presentation on the project and responded to questions.

Moved (Cr Bill Acklin/Cr Marie Laufiso):

That the Committee:

a) Notes the DCC Archive Update report

Motion carried (CAC/2025/003)

10 Mayoral Scholarship

A report from the Executive Leadership team advised that the report provided options and costs for a possible Mayoral Scholarship, as requested by the Committee at the 5 September 2023 meeting.

The General Manager Corporate (Rob West) spoke to the report and responded to questions.

Moved (Cr David Benson-Pope/Cr Steve Walker):

That the Committee:

a) Approves the establishment of a Dunedin City Council Scholarship with the University of Otago - Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka to be awarded by Council each Triennium (commencing in 2025) for undergraduate study at a cost of $5,000 per annum for 3 years.

b) Authorises the CEO to sign the final agreement with the University of Otago - Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka.

Division

The Council voted by division

For: Crs David Benson-Pope, Christine Garey, Carmen Houlahan, Marie Laufiso, Mayor Jules Radich, Steve Walker and Bill Acklin (7).

Against: Crs Sophie Barker, Kevin Gilbert, Cherry Lucas, Mandy Mayhem, Jim O'Malley, Brent Weatherall and Andrew Whiley (7).

Abstained: Nil

An equality of votes was recorded 7:7 following which the Chairperson used his casting vote in favour of the motion.

Motion carried (CAC/2025/004)

9Items for Consideration by the Chairperson

Cr O’Malley - asked for some feedback on the suggestion by the Waikouaiti Coast Community Board that the Boards be allocated funding to allow them to contract local people to do minor maintenance work.

Cr O’Malley requested for a mechanism to enable the DCC and ORC to work together on issues where they have over lapping responsibilities i.e. flooding in Middlemarch.

Cr Walker requested a definitive response regarding the end of the Port Chalmers shared path.

Cr Whiley left the meeting at 12.31 pm.

Cr Lucas – Asked for a way for Community Boards to resolve minor issues i.e. Truby King Sign.

The meeting concluded at 12.34 pm .

.............................................

CHAIRPERSON

Civic Affairs Committee

17 June 2025

Part A Reports

Place Based Community Groups - presentation to the Civic Affairs Committee

Department: Community Services

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

1 Five place-based groups have been invited to present to the Civic Affairs Committee at the 17 June 2025 meeting.

2 Following these presentations, all place based groups funded in the 2024/2025 financial year would have had the opportunity to present to the Civic Affairs Committee.

3 This report provides a short summary of each place-based group and the area that they operate in.

RECOMMENDATIONS

That the Committee:

a) Notes the report – Place Based Community Groups. Presentation to the Civic Affairs Committee

BACKGROUND

4 The Civic Affairs Committee is delegated to decide on Activities of Place Based Community Groups (PBCGs) as detailed in the Council’s Committee Structures and Delegations Manual (2023, P. 13).

5 The Civic Affairs Committee has invited PBCGs to present to them, so they are updated on the range of activities and services that they deliver in their local communities.

DISCUSSION

6 This report provides a summary of the five PBCGs who will present to the Civic Affairs Committee at the 17 June meeting, namely:

· Araiteuru Marae Council (Incorporated Society)

· Caversham Community Group (Informal)

· Corstorphine Community Hub (Trust)

· Greater Green Island (Trust)

· The Valley Project (Incorporated Society)

Araiteuru Marae Council (Incorporated Society)

7 Araiteuru Marae Council Incorporated's charitable purpose is to provide the Dunedin community with an urban marae where all things Māori can be celebrated and practised while offering a welcoming space for everyone. It hosts tangihanga, weddings, birthdays, educational visits, wānanga, and public meetings and forums. The inclusive nature of the marae aims to build long-term, high-trust relationships and connections between communities, fostering deeper understanding, compassion, and unity.

8 Araiteuru Marae is not just a building or an event venue—it is a living, breathing embodiment of identity, belonging, and resilience. It is a place where transformation happens, where voices are heard, where knowledge is shared, and where the legacy of tūpuna lives on through contemporary expression. In this way, the marae is a vital part of Dunedin’s present and future.

9 Araiteuru Marae Council Incorporated serves not only its local communities across the Kaikorai Valley, but also the wider Dunedin City communities in many ways.

Caversham Community Group

10 The Caversham Community Group is an informal group, made up of a core group of dedicated volunteers who live in Caversham and focused on enhancing community involvement and social cohesion. The group was initially umbrellaed in 2019 by the Corstorphine Community Baptist Trust. Their early projects include initiatives like the 100 Trees Project and the Caversham Community Newsletter, which are supported by grants and community involvement. Over the years the group has grown and expanded its activities to include a wide range of community events and outreach programmes.

11 The committee consists of 12 core members who collaborate with local organisations and experts to plan and execute these activities, aiming to make Caversham a vibrant and connected community, also affectionately known as ‘Caversham 9012’. The Caversham Community Group has delivered place based initiatives since 2021 and has a strong relationship with the DCC Community Partnerships team.

12 In 2024 the group were recipients of a small DCC Arts Grant for their local Mural. This unfortunately meant they were not eligible for Place Based funding, however the group maintained their connection with the place based community by continuing to attend the bi-monthly place based group meetings. In 2025, the group reapplied for place based funding umbrellaed by the South Dunedin Community Network, to continue the ongoing work they deliver in helping build a strong, local community. These dedicated volunteers work together to plan and execute various community initiatives and events such as:

· Summer Surprise Community Picnic Day: A family-focused picnic day featuring traditional games like egg and spoon races, sack races, gumboot throwing, treasure hunts, and outdoor games. The event included a community BBQ and attracted about 150 local residents.

· Seniors' Outreach and Monthly Gatherings: Regular outings and gatherings for seniors, including lunches, trips, and social activities. These events have been ongoing and are highly appreciated by the local senior residents.

· Teddy Bears Hospital: An event aimed at engaging children and families with activities centred around teddy bears, including emergency care scenarios and fun games.

· Community Mural Project: A project involving the painting of a mural to beautify the community and engage residents in a creative activity.

Corstorphine Community Hub (Trust)

13 The Corstorphine Community Hub was established to provide a welcoming and supportive environment for whanau in the Corstorphine area, Dunedin, fostering a sense of community and belonging. Its purpose is to offer various activities and services, including arts and crafts, cooking classes, holiday programs, and community events such as Halloween and Christmas parties. The hub also provides essential support through food puhera, free shared lunch, and medical and physical support through collaborations with Te Whatu Ora. Over the years, the hub has grown significantly, supporting over 150 whanau within the community and collaborating with numerous organisations like Dunedin City Council, Te Putahitanga o Te Waipounamu, Otago Polytech and more. Highlights include hosting over 110 whanau at movie events, distributing more than 100 kilograms of food weekly through Kiwi Harvest over 170,000kg since 2015, and celebrating its 10-year anniversary with various community activities. The hub's social media presence has also grown, with 1.7k followers on Facebook, helping to promote and engage the community in its initiatives.

14 The Corstorphine Community Hub has received positive feedback from the community, highlighting its significant impact and the sense of belonging it fosters. Examples of feedback regarding its community engagement includes:

· Support and Compassion: The hub is praised for its care and compassion, providing essential services and life skills to families who struggle with everyday needs.

· Inclusive Environment: Community members appreciate the welcoming atmosphere, where everyone feels like part of the whanau once they walk through the door.

· Positive Impact: The hub's activities, such as shared lunches, food (parcel) puhera, and various workshops, have helped many families, especially during challenging times like during the Covid-19 lockdown.

Greater Green Island (Trust)

15 The Greater Green Island Community Network (GGICN) is a registered charitable organization established in 2013. Its vision is to foster a strong, collaborative community where neighbourhoods are vibrant and full of people. The Greater Green Island area includes the suburbs of Abbotsford, Brighton, Concord, Fairfield, Green Island, Ocean View, Waldronville, and Westwood. Each of these areas has its own unique sense of community, with Green Island serving as a central hub for shopping and medical needs.

16 Since its inception, GGICN has undertaken a diverse range of activities and projects. These include the installation of a playground in the Green Island Memorial Gardens, collaboration with the DCC and NZTA to install three roundabouts on Main South Road, a road reseal on Main South Road in Green Island, the Runciman Street Mural and cleanup, and the Emerson Street Park Mural, among others.

17 Currently, GGICN has launched the Greater Green Island Community survey to gather feedback from residents. This survey aims to ensure that the network's services continue to meet the community's needs and to guide its future direction and vision.

The Valley Project

18 The Valley Project (Incorporated Society) is the beating heart of the North East Valley and its surrounding suburbs sitting along the Lindsay creek tucked in between Mt Cargill and Signal Hill. It includes the suburbs of Ōpoho, Pine Hill, Liberton, Dalmore, Upper Junction, and Normanby serving nearly 10,000 residents within the Dunedin City Council boundary. Born from grassroots action in the early 2000s, this kaupapa-driven initiative empowers whānau and community to thrive through mahi grounded in connection, resilience, and sustainability. From kai resilience and biodiversity restoration to community events like Creek Fest and the Harvest Festival, their mahi is all about uplifting people and place. They run many events for the community such as kai share programmes, trap pests, restore awa, and publish the Valley Voice to keep the community informed and inspired. With over 13,000 volunteer hours clocked last year alone, The Valley Project is a living example of manaakitanga and whānaungatanga in action — building a future where everyone belongs, contributes, and flourishes.

Place based groups

19 The five place groups who are presenting to the Civic Affairs Committee are part of a total cohort of 10 place based groups who currently receive funding through the DCC’s place based fund. The other five place based groups; Taieri Network; Strath Taieri Connect Charitable Trust; South Dunedin Community Network; BIAS (Brockville) and POWA – Progress of Waikouaiti Area) have already presented to the Civic Affairs Committee.

OPTIONS

20 There are no options as this paper is for noting.

NEXT STEPS

21 The next round of place based funding will be decided on by the DCC’s Grants Subcommittee in September 2025. Applications close on the 31st of July 2025.

22 There are no other next steps associated with this paper.

Signatories

Author:	Gina Hu'akau - Community Partnerships Manager
Authoriser:	Nicola Morand - Manahautū (General Manager Policy and Partnerships)

Attachments

There are no attachments for this report.

SUMMARY OF CONSIDERATIONS

Fit with purpose of Local Government

This decision enables democratic local decision making and action by, and on behalf of communities.

This decision promotes the social, economic, environmental, and cultural well-being of communities in the present and for the future.

Fit with strategic framework

	Contributes	Detracts	Not applicable
Social Wellbeing Strategy	✔	☐	☐
Economic Development Strategy	✔	☐	☐
Environment Strategy	✔	☐	☐
Arts and Culture Strategy	✔	☐	☐
3 Waters Strategy	☐	☐	☐
Future Development Strategy	☐	☐	☐
Integrated Transport Strategy	☐	☐	☐
Parks and Recreation Strategy	☐	☐	☐
Other strategic projects/policies/plans	✔	☐	☐

The activity of PBCGs supports many of the DCC’s plans and strategies. Some PBCGs are also being asked to offer input and advice in regard to Parks, Transport, Water and Planning and have participated in DCC forums.

Māori Impact Statement

The majority of PBCGs work alongside Māori whānau in their local areas. A few PBCGs have engaged or are engaging with their local Marae, others are working on strengthening their relationships with mana whenua and mātā waka communities. Te Taki Haruru has been shared with PBCGs and many look forward to understanding how communities can contribute to the aspirations outlined in the document.

Sustainability

Many of the PBCGs are implementing sustainability practices into their services and activities. This includes sustainability plans for themselves as groups and in wanting to diversify their income in order to grow their community work.

LTP/Annual Plan / Financial Strategy /Infrastructure Strategy

PBCGs deliver community-led development. Working in partnership with the DCC, means that many of their activities relate to the DCC’s LTP and Annual Plan.

Financial considerations

There are no financial implications.

Significance

There are no matters of significance.

Engagement – external

Staff have engaged with all of the PBCG applicants to ensure that their information is correct for the Grants Subcommittee and to understand the future aspirations of each PBCG.

Engagement - internal

The Community Partnerships Team are the lead department for PBCGs and the place-based Fund. Other departments are engaged with when needing to verify or share information related to place based groups such as Māori Partnerships, Property, Parks and Recreation, and Waste.

Risks: Legal / Health and Safety etc.

There are no legal implications.

Conflict of Interest

There are no conflicts of interests.

Community Boards

The PBCGs who are operating within Community Board areas have reported that they work well together albeit with a different focus. Community Boards advocate to the DCC on behalf of community needs as per their terms of reference. PBCGs are independent of the DCC and deliver activities and services that are community-led and developed in order to create and support positive change in their community. PBCGs also access funding from a range of funders, and not just the DCC.

Civic Affairs Committee

17 June 2025

Civic Affairs Activity Report for the period until 30 April 2025

Department: Civic

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

1 The Civic Affairs Committee provides for the effective administration of Council governance, its activities and elected member procedures and protocols. The purpose of this report is to provide information on work undertaken in the administration of Council governance.

RECOMMENDATIONS

That the Committee:

a) Notes the Civic Affairs Activity Report

BACKGROUND

2 The Civic Affairs Committee provides oversight of the effective administration of Council governance, its activities and elected member procedures and protocols.

3 This report provides information on various activities including:

a) Council, committee meetings and public forum

b) Engagement and Hearings

c) Council Workshops

d) Community Boards

e) Requests under the Local Government Information and Meetings Act.

4 Information is included for the six month period from 1 November 2024 until 30 April 2025.

DISCUSSION

Council and Committee meetings

4 From November 2024 until the end of April 2025, Council held 10 meetings over 15 days considering 145 reports. During the period, eight committees and subcommittees held a total of 15 meetings. During these meetings 29 individuals and groups in public forum spoke on a variety of topics. Community boards and Place-based groups also briefed the Civic Affairs Committee on their activities.

Engagement and Hearings

5 Council is required to consult with the public in a variety of ways, formally and informally.

6 The following graph tracks the number of submissions received on the recent 9 Year Plan and Annual Plans.

Table 1

7 Council and various hearings panels also provide a mechanism for people to present their views in public. Seven hearings on the Draft Signal Hill Management Plan, Draft Local Alcohol Policy, Draft Town Belt Reserve Management Plan, Draft Otago Harbour Reserve Management Plan, Objection to Dog Owner Disqualification, Waste Minimisation Management Plan and Proposed Parking Changes, have been held during the reporting period.

8 Council also conducts hearings and decision-making meetings for several regulatory functions such as the District Licensing and Resource Management. The District Licensing Committee held seven separate meetings, some over multiple days and there were four hearings held under the Resource Management Act.

Council Workshops

9 21 workshops have been held on a variety of topics. Notice of workshop topics is provided on the Council’s website.

Community Boards

10 As part of the governance structure of Council, the community boards provide both an advocacy and decision-making function. The boards have connections with a variety of community groups in each of their board’s area. Since November 2024 the community boards heard from over 44 groups or individuals. Each community board is invited to brief the Civic Affairs Committee on matters of note in each Board’s area.

Requests under the Local Government and Official Information Meetings Act (LGOIMAs)

11 Council is required to respond to requests for information under the Local Government Official information and meetings Act 1987. The following graph tracks the numbers of LGOIMAs processed and answered for the last 4 years.

Table 2

12 In response to the high volume and increased complexity of LGOIMAs received a dedicated FTE is being recruited which will address our compliance with statutory timeframes.

13 Four complaints to the Ombudsman have been received since November 2024.

Councillor Appointments to Outside Organisations

14 There are a number of organisations throughout the city that the Council has representatives on for a variety of reasons, including a statutory requirement or under the terms of those organisations’ constitutions.

15 These appointments in many cases, have been longstanding. Councillors asked for a review of the reasons behind the various appointments and an update was provided to the Civic Affairs Committee in September 2023 outlining that staff would work with Council to review the policy statement regarding appointments to outside organisations and determine how best the Council wishes to have a relationship with the various organisations.

16 Staff have completed a stocktake of external organisations and obtained copies of trusts, deeds or whatever document govern membership.

17 The work is continuing with the next stage of the review being to provide a high-level consideration of appointments to provide a useful background as to why appointments were made, together with reviewing the policy statement dated July 1990.

18 It is proposed that the results of the review be presented to Council for consideration at the inaugural meeting following the 2025 elections.

OPTIONS

19 As this is an administrative report there are no options or summary of considerations.

NEXT STEPS

20 A further activity report will be produced for a future committee meeting.

Signatories

Author:	Jackie Harrison - Manager Governance
Authoriser:	Robert West - General Manager Corporate Services

Attachments

There are no attachments for this report.

Civic Affairs Committee

17 June 2025

Smokefree Dunedin Policy Review

Department: Corporate Policy

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

1 The purpose of this report is to provide options for the review of the Smokefree Dunedin Policy (the Policy). The Policy is attached here as Attachment A.

2 Council adopted the Smokefree Dunedin Policy (Attachment A) on 31 March 2014.

3 This Policy is scheduled for review every five years. There was no review completed in 2021. The next review is scheduled for 2026.

4 If the Policy is reviewed this year, it will align with the government initiative Smokefree 2025 and its goal that fewer than 5% of New Zealanders will be smokers by 2025.

5 6.2% of Dunedin residents aged over 15 years identified as regular smokers in the 2023 Census.

6 The Options section of this paper includes four potential options for Council to consider during its review of the Policy:

· Option One — Status Quo — Rollover the Policy with no changes

· Option Two — Minor Changes — Amend the Policy to include vaping

· Option Three — Moderate Changes — Amend the Policy to include smokefree spaces and events

· Option Four — Substantive Changes — Amend the Policy to introduce smokefree areas in the city based on the DCC’s Legal Highs Policy.

RECOMMENDATIONS

That the Committee:

a) Notes the contents of this report

b) Agrees on its preferred option/s to progress the review of the Smokefree Dunedin Policy.

background

Aotearoa New Zealand Context — Other Councils

7 In preparing this report, Corporate Policy staff reviewed the smokefree and vapefree policies of other local authorities throughout Aotearoa New Zealand.

8 40 other Councils have a smokefree and/or vapefree policy, including a joint policy for Napier and Hastings.

9 The majority of these Councils have either recently implemented or amended existing policies to meet the goals of Smokefree 2025 and to align with amendments to government legislation that pertain to smokefree environments and the regulation of tobacco and vaping products.

10 These policies have a consistent focus on public places and council-controlled facilities being smokefree and vapefree. For example, sportsgrounds and parks, and the primary entrances and exits of libraries and recreation centres.

11 Consistent across these policies is an education rather than enforcement approach to their implementation and management, similar to the approach taken by the DCC in regard to its policies and bylaws relating to operations such as environmental health and dog control.

12 Several Councils have detailed engagement and implementation plans included in the implementation of their policies, which could be adapted to fit Ōtepoti Dunedin if Council were to make moderate or substantive changes to the Policy.

Legislative Context

13 In recent years the DCC has made several submissions on amendments to government legislation which support smokefree environments and which restrict or prohibit vaping. These amendments have been made to the Smokefree Environment and Regulated Products Act 1990 (the Act).

14 Amendments in 2021 introduced further regulations for: indoor workplaces, including early childhood education centres and schools; packaging requirements; and product notification and safety requirements. The DCC submitted to this consultation in March 2021, in support of the proposed amendments to the Act.

15 In 2022 the Government proposed further amendments to the Act, which the DCC supported in its submission (August 2022). These came into law in August 2023.

16 Three parts of the 2023 legislation were repealed by the new Government in February 2024: the reduction in the number of retailers of smoked tobacco products across New Zealand; lowering the amount of nicotine in products; and “smokefree generation” measures, which would have meant that no one born after 1 January 2009 would be able to buy cigarettes.

17 There was no public consultation on the partial repeal of the 2023 legislation as Parliament passed the amendments under urgency.

18 Parts of the 2023 legislation, including regulations around the sale of disposable vapes, vape packaging, and limiting vape flavour, came into force on 21 March 2024.

19 In March 2024 the Associate Minister of Health, Hon Casey Costello MP, announced planned amendments to the Act to ban the manufacture and sale of disposable vaping products, increase penalties for the sale of cigarettes and vapes to under-18 year olds, and tighten restrictions on specialist vape retailers. These and other amendments will come into force on 17 June 2025.

Discussion

20 This paper presents four options for Council to consider in the review of this Policy, which are structured so that Council may agree on either a single or combination of options.

Option One — Status Quo — Rollover the Policy with no changes

21 The Policy has not been amended since it was adopted by Council on 31 March 2014.

22 Council adopted a Smokefree Implementation Plan in May 2014 (Attachment B). Council voted for the option, in Table A of this Attachment, which included measures that could be implemented within existing budgets. Additional measures to install signage at Council buildings, facilities, and sportsgrounds, which were identified as requiring extra budget, were not supported by Council in 2014.

Option Two — Minor Changes — Amend the Policy to include vaping

23 The Policy does not include vaping.

24 The are inconsistencies between the Policy and other DCC Policies and Bylaws, which do reference vaping. For example:

· the DCC’s Community Housing Policy (2022) allows residents to smoke or vape outside their units and shared facilities.

· the Trading in Public Places Bylaw (2020), in its Conditions for the Commercial Use of Footpaths, requires permit holders to promote “smokefree and vape-free” at outdoor hospitality areas.

25 In assisting with this Policy review, the Parks and Recreation team noted that any new signage, such as on rubbish bins in parks, includes smokefree icons and that, by inference, this was interpreted by users that these spaces are also vapefree.

Option Three — Moderate Changes — Amend the Policy to include smokefree spaces and events

26 Analysis of similar policies across other Councils in Aotearoa New Zealand during this review shows a consistent focus on public places and council-controlled facilities being smokefree and vapefree.

27 Smokefree Aotearoa 2025 resources include outdoor mapping across Councils, and a key to how these are defined. The key is attached as Attachment C.

28 This mapping includes smokefree activities already underway in Ōtepoti Dunedin, such as Outdoor Dining (included in the Trading in Public Places Bylaw), Transport Hubs (responsibility of the Otago Regional Council), and the Fresh Air Project (a voluntary initiative for hospitality businesses).

29 For the potential scope of Option Three, the activity areas defined by the Smokefree Aotearoa 2025 outdoor mapping would include:

· CBD/ Civic Spaces: “where a council has specifically designated key public areas as smokefree over and above outdoor dining. This could be a pedestrian square or other space readily identified by users or where a council has actually delimited their central business area on a map and agreed to promote this area as smokefree via signage. This may well be in partnership with other agencies.”

· Green Spaces: “where a council policy/ initiative promotes all or some of its recreational spaces as smokefree, for example playgrounds, parks, sports grounds, reserves/domains, skate parks”.

· Events: “where council run events such as family community events or large-scale events are promoted as smokefree”.

· Council Buildings: “where immediate areas around council managed facilities are promoted as smokefree. Areas may or may not be specifically defined in terms of meters, for example within 5 meters of building entrances such as libraries, council community centres or town halls”.

30 The DCC’s Parks and Recreation team is currently reviewing its own strategy, which includes an action to implement the smokefree policy at sports parks.

31 For noting in the context of discussing this option, there is currently no requirement in agreements for events at DCC-owned facilities or events that receive DCC grant funding to be smokefree or promote smokefree.

Option Four — Substantive Changes — Amend the Policy to introduce smokefree areas in the city based on the DCC’s Legal High Policy

32 The DCC adopted its Legal High Policy in 2015 in response to the introduction of the Psychoactive Substances Act 2013. The Legal High Policy is due for review in 2026.

33 The Legal High Policy includes ‘sensitive sites‘, meaning that legal high retail locations cannot be located within 100 metres of places such as schools, hospitals, and any premises occupied by the Ministry of Justice or Ministry of Social Development.

34 The DCC hasn’t needed to enforce its Legal High Policy as there are currently no approved substances in New Zealand to which it would apply. This policy remains in place because, if a substance was approved, the DCC would have the mechanism to control where it could be sold. Without the policy there would be a 4-6 month delay before any controls could be put in place.

35 The Approved Location Boundary map from the DCC’s Legal High Policy is attached at Attachment D, and the Sensitive Site Buffer Zones (as at May 2021) is at Attachment E. These are included in this report to inform Option Four — making substantive changes to the Policy that would introduce smokefree areas to the city.

Implementation and Operational Considerations

36 Since the Implementation Plan for the Policy was agreed by Council in 2014, smokefree and vapefree signage can now be ordered from Health New Zealand Te Whatu Ora. This includes stickers and metal signage.

37 These resources are free and available to anyone in Aotearoa New Zealand. For example, although the DCC owns Albion Place, the Smokefree signage beside the seating area there has been put in place by a neighbouring retailer.

38 Dependent on the option/s agreed by Council to progress the review of the Policy, DCC staff will prepare a new Implementation Plan for the Policy. It is expected that any operational costs will be minimal and able to be absorbed into regular operational maintenance budgets (for example, installing smokefree signage and removing wall-mounted ashtrays at the Civic Centre Plaza).

options

OPTIONS

Option One – Status Quo – Rollover the Smokefree Dunedin Policy with no changes

Advantages

· There are no identified advantages to the status quo option.

Disadvantages

· Missed opportunity to include vaping in the Smokefree Dunedin Policy

· Missed opportunity to demonstrate a commitment to the goals of Smokefree 2025

· Missed opportunity to implement smokefree and vapefree measures across Ōtepoti Dunedin, for example in Council-controlled facilities

· Missed opportunity to demonstrate a commitment to the health of Ōtepoti Dunedin’s residents.

Option Two – Minor changes – Amend the Smokefree Dunedin Policy to include vaping

Advantages

· The Smokefree Dunedin Policy will recognise vaping as an activity and measures in the Policy can be implemented accordingly.

Disadvantages

· Missed opportunity to demonstrate an increased commitment to the goals of Smokefree 2025

· Missed opportunity to implement smokefree and vapefree measures across Ōtepoti Dunedin, for example in Council-controlled facilities.

Option Three – Moderate changes – Amend the Smokefree Dunedin Policy to include smokefree spaces and events

Advantages

· Opportunity to demonstrate an increased commitment to a smokefree and vapefree Ōtepoti Dunedin

· Opportunity to implement a consistent approach to smokefree and vapefree events

· Opportunity to take a consistent approach to smokefree and vapefree outdoor spaces at Council-controlled facilities

· Opportunity to demonstrate a commitment to the health of Ōtepoti Dunedin’s residents

· Opportunity to demonstrate a commitment to the goals of Smokefree 2025.

Disadvantages

· Missed opportunity to make meaningful changes to the Dunedin Smokefree Policy.

Option Four – Substantive changes – Amend the Smokefree Dunedin Policy to introduce smokefree areas based on the sensitive sites in the Legal Highs policy

Advantages

· Opportunity to demonstrate an increased commitment to a smokefree and vapefree Ōtepoti Dunedin

· Opportunity to demonstrate a commitment to the health of Ōtepoti Dunedin’s residents

· Opportunity to demonstrate a commitment to the goals of Smokefree 2025.

Disadvantages

· There are no identified disadvantages with this option.

NEXT STEPS

44 Once Council has decided its preferred option/s for the Smokefree Dunedin Policy review, DCC staff will:

· Update the current Policy as required, to include any amendments and present the draft updated Policy document to Council for its approval before October 2025

· Progress any operational changes that arise from amendments to the Policy.

Signatories

Author:

Danielle Tolson - Policy Analyst

Authoriser:

Nadia Wesley-Smith - Corporate Policy Manager - Acting

Nicola Morand - Manahautū (General Manager Policy and Partnerships)

Attachments

	Title	Page
⇩a	Attachment A: Smokefree Dunedin Policy	48
⇩b	Attachment B: Smokefree Implementation Plan	49
⇩c	Attachment C: Smokefree Aotearoa 2025 Key to New Zealand Councils Outdoor Mapping	55
⇩d	Attachment D: Approved Location Boundary- Legal High Policy	57
⇩e	Attachment E: Sensitive Site Buffer Zones - Legal High Policy	58

SUMMARY OF CONSIDERATIONS

Fit with purpose of Local Government

This decision promotes the social, environmental, and cultural well-being of communities in the present and for the future.

Fit with strategic framework

	Contributes	Detracts	Not applicable
Social Wellbeing Strategy	✔	☐	☐
Economic Development Strategy	☐	☐	✔
Environment Strategy	✔	☐	☐
Arts and Culture Strategy	✔	☐	☐
3 Waters Strategy	☐	☐	✔
Future Development Strategy	✔	☐	☐
Integrated Transport Strategy	✔	☐	☐
Parks and Recreation Strategy	✔	☐	☐
Other strategic projects/policies/plans	✔	☐	☐

The Smokefree Dunedin Policy is also applicable to the DCC’s Festivals and Events Plan, Zero Carbon Policy, Waste Minimisation and Management Plan, and Te Taki Haruru –

Māori Impact Statement

Results from the 2023/24 New Zealand Health Survey record that 14.7% of people who identified as identified as

Sustainability

There are no implications for sustainability.

Zero carbon

There is no impact for city-wide and DCC emissions.

LTP/Annual Plan / Financial Strategy /Infrastructure Strategy

There are no implications for the LTP and/or Annual Plan.

Financial considerations

There are no financial implications.

Significance

This decision is considered low in terms of the Council’s Significance and Engagement Policy.

Engagement – external

DCC staff have had ongoing engagement with the Cancer Society and Health New Zealand Te Whatu Ora in regard to this Policy.

Engagement - internal

The Corporate Policy team spoke to the DCC’s Property, Parks and Recreation, Community Housing, Waste Management and Minimisation, and Events teams to inform the review of the Smokefree Dunedin Policy.

Risks: Legal / Health and Safety etc.

There are no identified risks.

Conflict of Interest

There is no conflict of interest.

Community Boards

There are potential implications for Community Boards as these areas are locations of DCC facilities, such as libraries and parks, and where events take place.

Civic Affairs Committee

17 June 2025

South Dunedin Library and Community Complex Building Name

Department: Corporate Policy

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

1 This report notes the name offered to the Dunedin City Council (the DCC) by mana whenua for the South Dunedin library and community complex.

RECOMMENDATIONS

That the Committee:

Notes the contents of the South Dunedin library and community complex building name report.

BACKGROUND

2 The construction of the community complex and library at 148 Great King Street, South Dunedin began in early 2024.

3 Mana whenua owned organisation Aukaha and architects Baker Garden collaborated with the DCC on the building’s exterior design. The artwork on the outside glass glazing depicts tuna (eels) acknowledging the history and culture of South Dunedin.

4 Once an estuary abundant with shellfish, fish, birds and other wildlife, South Dunedin was traditionally where tuna were harvested as an important food source by Kāi Tahu, and the area was known as Kaituna.

5 The imagery serves as a reminder of the importance of knowledge, climate change and mahika kai (food gathering practices and locations).

6 At the 6 December 2024 Te Pae Māori meeting, mana whenua formally gifted the name “Te Whata o Kaituna” to the South Dunedin library and community complex.

7 There has been some discussion in the community around the option of naming the building after a previous Dunedin City Councillor and library advocate, however both staff and mana whenua have since engaged with the family who have confirmed they do not wish for the building to be named thus.

8 Further discussion was held at the March 25 2025 Te Pae Māori meeting. It was proposed that the building complex be named Te Whata o Kaituna, and that the library housed within will have a separate name.

9 Following this meeting, staff were directed to provide a report for noting.

DISCUSSION

10 The name Te Whata o Kaituna is a reference to the surrounding area being formerly abundant in mahika kai. It recognises traditional knowledge systems used in cultural practices, and today, the knowledge held within the library structure for the community to access.

11 The building’s design draws on this traditional place name, as well as the knowledge systems involved in the cultural practice of mahika kai.

12 Whata is a noun that describes an elevated structure used to store kai.

13 The naming of the building demonstrates the application of Te Taki Haruru, the expression of the DCC’s commitment to te Tiriti o Waitangi / Treaty of Waitangi.

OPTIONS

14 There are no options as this report is for noting.

Signatories

Author:	Nadia Wesley-Smith - Corporate Policy Manager - Acting
Authoriser:	Nicola Morand - Manahautū (General Manager Policy and Partnerships)

Attachments

There are no attachments for this report.

SUMMARY OF CONSIDERATIONS

Fit with purpose of Local Government

This decision enables democratic local decision making and action by, and on behalf of communities.

This decision promotes the social well-being of communities in the present and for the future.

This decision promotes the environmental well-being of communities in the present and for the future.

This decision promotes the cultural well-being of communities in the present and for the future.

Fit with strategic framework

	Contributes	Detracts	Not applicable
Social Wellbeing Strategy	✔	☐	☐
Economic Development Strategy	✔	☐	☐
Environment Strategy	✔	☐	☐
Arts and Culture Strategy	✔	☐	☐
3 Waters Strategy	☐	☐	✔
Future Development Strategy	✔	☐	☐
Integrated Transport Strategy	☐	☐	✔
Parks and Recreation Strategy	☐	☐	✔
Other strategic projects/policies/plans	✔	☐	☐

Te Taki Haruru is Council’s commitment to the Treaty of Waitangi. It is intended to be embedded into all council strategies, projects policies and plans where appropriate.

Māori Impact Statement

Naming the library and community complex contributes to several of the key objectives outlined in Te Taki Haruru:

· The mauri of Ōtepoti is restored and enhanced.

· Mana whenua are leaders, influencers and partners

· Mātauraka is incorporated through the co-design and co-management of our environment and resources

· Māori heritage and culture is visible, celebrated, protected and future-proofed.

· The traditional authority of mana whenua in Ōtepoti Dunedin is recognised through partnerships based on reciprocity and respect.

· Māori values frameworks are embedded within policy, initiatives and practices.

· Public facilities and services meet the cultural needs, practices and values of Māori

Sustainability

No known implications for sustainability.

Zero carbon

No impacts on DCC a=or citywide emissions, greenhouse gases likely to stay the same.

LTP/Annual Plan / Financial Strategy /Infrastructure Strategy

No known implications.

Financial considerations

No known financial implications.

Significance

Engagement – external

Name offered from mana whenua. Discussion held at Te Pae Māori included representatives of mana whenua and mātāwaka community

Engagement - internal

There has been discussion held with Arts, Culture and Recreation staff.

Risks: Legal / Health and Safety etc.

No known risks.

Conflict of Interest

No known conflicts of interest.

Community Boards

No known implications for Community Boards.

	Title	Page
A ⇩	Minutes of Civic Affairs Committee meeting held on 11 March 2025	16

Author:	Jennifer Lapham - Governance Support Officer
Authoriser:	Robert West - General Manager Corporate Services