|
|
Community Services Committee
18 June 2025
|
Community Services Activity Report
July 2024 - May 2025
Department: Community Services, Corporate Policy, Parks and
Recreation, Ara Toi, Arts and Culture, Events and Policy and Partnerships
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
1 The
Community Services Committee provides oversight of community assets, community
development, and community wellbeing across arts, culture, community
development and recreation services.
2 This
report updates the Committee on relevant Resident Opinion Survey results and
provides activity reporting from the following areas:
a) Dunedin
Public Libraries
b) Dunedin
Cultural Facilities - Art Gallery, Toitū, Lan Yuan Chinese Gardens and
Olveston
c) Dunedin
City of Literature
d) Creative
Partnerships
e) Community
Partnerships
f) Housing
g) Events
h) Parks and
Recreation.
3 Each
area has provided a brief activity overview including key highlights,
challenges, trends and issues over the period July 2024 to May 2025.
RECOMMENDATIONS
That the Committee:
a) Notes the Community
Services Activity Report for July 2024 to May 2025.
BACKGROUND
Residents’ Opinion Survey (ROS)
4 The
ROS is a monitoring tool utilised by the DCC to collect statistically reliable
results measuring residents’ satisfaction with the DCC services and
facilities, overall perceptions of Dunedin, and perceptions of Council
performance. It has been commissioned by the DCC every year since 1994 in
varying forms and provides quarterly and an annual snapshot.
5 The
current ROS questionnaire asks respondents to rate their satisfaction levels on
a scale from 1-10 from very dissatisfied to very satisfied. Results are
now provided to Council in quarterly reports. Some key ROS results have been
included as part of the Community Services activity reporting.
Some Key ROS Results
6 Overall
Satisfaction Ratings with the DCC over the past 9 years: May/June 2016 to May 2025
The
overall satisfaction with the DCC and Council remains steady over time.
Graph
1 shows the overall satisfaction ratings with the DCC across all areas of
services, facilities, and facilities from May/June 2016 to May 2025.
7 Overall
Satisfaction by Facilities/Service Areas – Year to Date (YTD) May 2025
Overall
satisfaction with facilities, infrastructure, and services provided and support
for city festivals and events remain the highest.
Graph
2 shows the overall satisfaction ratings with the DCC by facilities/service
areas from June 2024 to May 2025.
8 Perceptions
of Dunedin – Dunedin is a thriving city – June 2024 to May 2025
Graph
3 shows the level of residents’ perception that ‘Dunedin is a
thriving city’ over the last year June 2024 to May 2025.
9 Perceptions
of Dunedin - Sense of Community – June 2024 to May 2025
Graph
4 shows the level of residents’ perception that there is a ‘Sense
of community within their local neighbourhood’ over the last year June
2024 to May 2025.
10 Perceptions
of Dunedin – Dunedin recognises and supports cultural diversity – June
2024 to May 2025
Graph
5 shows the level of residents’ perception that ‘Dunedin recognises
and supports cultural diversity’ over the last year June 2024 to May
2025.
11 Perceptions
of Dunedin – Dunedin is a creative city – June 2024 to May 2025
Graph
6 shows the level of agreement of residents’ perception that
‘Dunedin is a creative city’
over the last year July 2024 to May 2025.
12 Overall
Satisfaction Ratings for Community Recreation Facilities (Parks, Reserves and
Open Spaces, Sports and Recreation Facilities) and Creative and Cultural
Vibrancy Facilities (Public Facilities)– June 2024 to May 2025
Graph
7 shows overall satisfaction rates across Parks, Sports Facilities, and
Cultural Facilities.
13 Satisfaction
with Community Recreation Facilities – May 2025 (YTD)
Graph
8 shows satisfaction rates of users across Parks, Reserves, and Open Spaces May
2025 (YTD).
Graph 9 shows
satisfaction rates of users across Sport and Recreation Facilities May 2025
(YTD).
14 Satisfaction
with Facilities providing Creative and Cultural Vibrancy
Graph
10 shows satisfaction rates of users across Cultural Facilities May 2025 (YTD).
DISCUSSION
Dunedin Public
Libraries Activity Reporting
15 At a
high-level the Dunedin Public Libraries operational activities are summarised
below.
Overview of key library activity
16 Graph 11
shows Total Physical Visits to all Libraries in the network over quarters
1–3, showing a slight decrease in the average number of visits per month
over the previous year except for July. December’s figures were affected
by the Christmas closed dates.
17 
18 Graph 12
shows Physical Visits at the City Library over quarters 1–3.
19 Graph 13 shows
the average number of visits to City Library per month over the previous year.
December is down due to limited service at City between Christmas and New Year.
20 Graph 14
shows Physical Visits by Branch Libraries over quarters 1–3, with numbers
largely remaining steady.
21 Graph 15 shows
Total Physical Issues over quarters 1-3, with a slight decrease in average
number of physical issues per month over the previous year. December issues
were affected by the Christmas closure period.
22 Graph 16
shows Physical Issues at City Library over quarters 1-3, with numbers largely
remaining steady with December and January as the exceptions.
23 Graph 17 shows
Physical Issues by Library Branch over the quarters 1-3, with numbers largely
remaining steady.
24 Graph 18
Total e-Collection Issues over the quarters 1-3, with a 11.6% increase in
e-Collection issues over the previous year.
25 Graph 19
shows Free WIFI Usage at City Library over quarters 1-3, showing a rise in WIFI
usage on the previous year.
26 Graph 20
shows Free WIFI usage at Community Libraries over quarters 1-3. The figures at
Port reflect the increase in usage during the cruise ship season.
27 Graph 21
shows Numbers of Community Outreach Programmes delivered over quarters 1-3.
28 Graph 22
shows Number of Participants Attending Community Outreach Programmes over quarters
1-3
Library Highlights
Heritage Collection
29
‘The Library of Ralph Hotere’
ran as the Reed Gallery Exhibition from 15 November 2024 to 16 March 2025. The exhibition included books and
ephemera, including notes, postcards and vinyl albums, selected from 780 items
that were donated by Hotere’s wife, fellow artist Mary McFarlane in 2021.
The collection is a personal working library and includes books on a wide range
of topics such as music, sculpture, social issues, te ao Māori, New
Zealand history, dictionaries and encyclopaedias, cookbooks, and the Cuban
Revolutionary War, especially Che Guevara. An article by David Eggleton about
the exhibition was published in the Autumn 2025 issue of Art New Zealand magazine.
South
Dunedin Library
30 Planning and preparation continued for the opening of
the new South Dunedin Library, including work by the library’s Collection
Development staff to select new material for the library. This included curating the first dedicated
collection of works reflecting the culture, heritage and histories of the
Pacific Island nations, the Tangata Moana Collection. Books reflecting te ao
Māori will also be a featured collection, expanding on the City Libraries
Taiehu Collection.
Te Puawai Plan
31 Work began on Te Puawai ō kā
wharepukapuka ō Ōtepoti - Reimagining Dunedin Public Libraries, a
project that takes a strategic, long term and planned approach to reimagining
the future of Dunedin Public Library. During this reporting period senior
staff led a programme of staff and community consultation to help inform the
plan.
Events
32 In August the library ran a successful Rediscover
Your Library social media campaign to highlight the many benefits of
library membership. This included musing on libraries from well-known
Dunedinites including Grant Robertson and Martin Phillipps.
33 In
September the library hosted a Chinese Language Week Dumpling Day Bi-lingual Story Time. This was
supported through the donation of over 100 Chinese picture books by the NZ
Chinese Language Week Trust. The event was well attended and received.
34 In March two leaves from a French Book of Hours, ca.
1500, were purchased via the Reed Trust Fund from Maggs Brothers of London in
commemoration of the 150th birthday of A H Reed (1875-1975), the donor of the
Reed Collections.
35 On 22 March 2025 the library hosted a Rainbow Stories
for Rainbow Families event. Families, whānau,
caregivers, tamariki, and whanaunga were invited to come for a storytime with a
dance party, face painting, colouring in, and snacks. The event ran smoothly
with no disruption.
Library Challenges
36 There are
continuing issues with the rising costs of shipping and supply. The magazine
industry has particularly suffered with several titles ceasing publication or
becoming digital only. eResource vendor Borrowbox added digital magazines to
their platform and their usage has increased dramatically over this period. The
costs of having materials arrive shelf ready has also increased.
37 There is a
growing need to support the public by providing access to the internet,
printing and technology. Many government agencies have moved their processes
and forms online and staff regularly assist the public access these sites. Tech
Help 1:1 sessions have been developed and staff continue to assist with the
provision of Skinny Jump modems and set up to those most at risk from digital
exclusion.
Library
Trends and Issues
38 The use of
electronic resources (e-books and e-audio resources) continues to grow as
patrons increasingly move towards the online digital environment. Other digital
resources including the movie steaming service Beamafilm and Press Reader, an
online database allowing access to thousands of newspapers and magazines from
around the world, have continued to increase in popularity and staff are
trained to promote and support these platforms.
39 There have
been more requests for outreach services and staff have been working on
programmes to take out to the community. This also featured in community surveys
conducted as a part of the Te Puawai public consultation process.
Cultural Facilities: Art Gallery,
Toitū, Lan Yuan and Olveston Activity Reporting
40 At a high-level
the Dunedin Cultural Facilities operational activities are summarised below.
Exhibition and Collection Highlights
Dunedin Public Art
Gallery
41 The
exhibition Groundbreakers examined the early careers of pioneering women
artists Grace Joel and Frances Hodgkins. Set in late-19th-century Dunedin, a
period of progressive civic ideals and the founding of New Zealand’s
first art institution. The show highlighted how these artists and their
contemporaries broke new ground in portraiture and landscape painting.
42 THIS
IS NOM*d: Celebrating four decades of the fashion label NOMd, this major
exhibition explores the brand’s distinctive aesthetic, which blends
conceptual design with Dunedin’s independent creative spirit. Featuring
garments from 38 collections alongside photographs, films, and runway footage,
the show traced NOMd’s evolution and collaborative ethos.
Toitū Otago
Settlers Museum
43 Eden
in Dunedin: Highlights from the Eden Hore Central Otago fashion collection
showcases a striking collection of high-end fashion garments originally
assembled by Central Otago farmer Eden Hore. Known for his flair and vision,
Hore built his collection to attract visitors to his Glenshee Station in the
Maniototo, transforming a rural tractor shed into an unlikely fashion museum.
The exhibition offers a rare glimpse into this bold blend of glamour and rural
life, celebrating Hore’s eccentric legacy and his contribution to New
Zealand’s fashion and tourism history.
44 Upgrade
of Costume and Textile Collection Store: A Lotteries funded project to upgrade
the costume and textile store is complete. This work significantly enhances
the museum’s ability to preserve and care for its extensive textile
collection, which includes delicate garments, uniforms, and fashion pieces of historical
significance. The improved storage environment ensures these fragile items are
kept in optimal conditions for long-term preservation and strengthens Toitū’s
role as a custodian of Aotearoa’s textile heritage.
45 Collection
Acquisitions: This reporting period 208 items have been added to the Toitū
collection. Among the many highlights were 35 “Dunedin sound”
gig posters from the collection of Martin Phillipps, as well as an important
slide guitar he once owned, a ship chest from the Christie family who brought
it with them on the Philip Laing 1847-48 and several souvenir ceramics from the
1925-26 South Seas Exhibition.
46 Heritage
Tram Deaccession: Staff recently completed the deaccession of two heritage
trams from the collection; the Takapuna DCT No. 66, and the Sydney Bogie. Both
were transferred to the Tramways Historical Society in Christchurch, with the
Takapuna tram scheduled for full restoration and the Sydney Bogie to be used
for parts and as pattern-making reference. The decision reflects
Toitū’s commitment to responsible collection management, ensuring
that significant transport heritage remains preserved and accessible through
more appropriate custodianship.
Visitor Programme
Highlights
47 Hands-on
interactive workshops: DPAG, Toitū and Lan Yuan offer a wide variety of
paid, free entry and ‘drop-in and have a go’ style workshops and
activities to meet the diverse age groups and interests of the community.
48 ‘A
Toitū Christmas’ attracts significant visitor numbers during
December period. This includes Santa photos, the ever-popular Pixie Town,
a Pixies’ Tinker Town craft area, workshops, and festive music performances.
We also offered several popular quiet hour sessions Pixie Town for the neurodiverse
community.
49 An
annual programme of cultural festivities are
regularly developed in collaboration with the Chinese community and celebrated
at Lan Yuan. These included the Moon Festival celebrations and he Chinese
New Year celebration week concluding with a Lantern Festival.
Education
Highlights
50 DCC
holds an Enriching Local Curriculum (ELC) Ministry of Education contract to
deliver programmes at the DPAG, Toitū and Lan Yuan, and via our outreach
service at schools or early learning centres. These programmes offer wide
-ranging and bespoke learning outcomes in all curriculum areas.
51 For
the reporting period 1 July 2014 – 31 March
2025, 7,973 ākonga, or students, participated in one of our ELC
programmes.
Cultural Sites
52 A
comprehensive, richly illustrated publication about Olveston will be launched
in September. Written by John Walsh, with photography by Jane Ussher, the
book details the fascinating history of the Theomin family and the home they
gifted to the people of Dunedin.
53 Work continues
at Lan Yuan as part of the building maintenance programme that will ready the
Lan Yuan facility for the busy summer period.
Trends and Issues
54 A total of
422,271 people visited the cultural facilities this reporting period. Visitation
trends from earlier in the year have continued at DPAG and Toitu. The
winter months are traditionally quieter at Lan Yuan and Olveston. The table
below shows a breakdown of visitation numbers.
|
Visitation 1 July 2024 – 31 March
2025
|
|
Dunedin Public Art Gallery
|
140,136
|
|
Toitū Otago Settlers Museum
|
242,511
|
|
Lan Yuan Dunedin Chinese Garden
|
22,987
|
|
Olveston Historic Home
|
16,637
|
|
Total
|
422,271
|
Ōtepoti He Puna Auaha - Dunedin UNESCO City of Literature Activity
Reporting
55 At a high
level the City of Literature’s operational activities are summarised
below.
|
Connections
|
We build
sustainable creative collaborations and connections locally, nationally and
internationally to source inclusive opportunities for Ōtepoti’s
established and emerging writers
|
|
Collaboration
|
We work
collaboratively and creatively with our local writing community to build
national and international connections
|
|
Sustainability
|
We facilitate and
support inclusive access and participation in literary and creative
opportunities to highlight local literature.
|
|
Innovation
|
We explore
diverse models of creative collaboration to foster connection between people
and place and across genres, media, age and demographics.
|
City of Literature Key Activity
56 Ōtepoti He Puna Auaha Dunedin UNESCO City of
Literature celebrates original local writing in te reo Māori, English and
all other languages, including fiction, non-fiction, children’s books,
poetry, spoken word, scripts for theatre and film, and lyrics. The team also
works to progress UNESCO’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals to improve
outcomes for communities and the planet. Participation in Creative Cities
programmes offers the chance to shine a light on Ōtepoti’s
extraordinary writers on the world stage. In partnership with mana whenua, the
team collaborates with writers, illustrators, publishers, libraries,
booksellers, arts practitioners, community groups, festivals, galleries,
tertiary institutions, and pre-schools, and runs free hands-on workshops in
primary schools. The Director sits on the Steering Group for the Cities of
Literature Network.
57 Caselberg
Trust Margaret Egan Cities of Literature Writers Residency: The City of Literature and the Caselberg Trust announced Sihle
Ntuli, poet, editor and classicist from Durban City of Literature, as the Caselberg Trust Margaret Egan Cities of Literature
Writers Resident 2025. The residency, made possible by the Trust’s bequest from the late Margaret Egan, is
offered every second year to writers from the other 52 Cities of Literature,
and solely to applicants from Aotearoa every other year. The external judges
were impressed by the high standard of the 79 applications received from 28
Cities of Literature around the world. Sihle will live and write in the
Caselberg House in Broad Bay for six weeks from October, timed to coincide with
the Dunedin Writers & Readers Festival.
City of
Literature Highlights
58 The City of Literature is partnering
with Dr Susan Wardell from the University of Otago, co-organiser of the
Energy-in-Motion Conference 2025 in Dundee, to showcase a programme of
local environmental poets who will perform live onscreen followed by a Q&A. An online writing workshop will also be
led by local writer, poet and editor Michelle Elvy.
59 Ōtepoti City of Literature has been invited to collaborate with
Québec City UNESCO City of Literature’s Morrin Centre on its ‘Poetry Pen Pals’ initiative.
The project is an opportunity to connect our communities through the ongoing
exchange of handwritten poems by both established and brand-new poets. Hee-Won Son, Morrin Centre Heritage and Tours Coordinator
delivered the first bundle of poems in person when visiting the city on a
personal trip. The poems were created at a bespoke event which invited Morrin
Centre visitors to write a poem especially for Dunedin City of Literature.
60 Ōtepoti’s first package of poems for the
Québec City exchange were written by South Dunedin’s SuperGrans
during a series of workshops led last year by City of Literature South D Poet
Lorikeet, Jenny Powell. These poems were also recently published by the City of
Literature as the book Wish, with original artworks in response to the
poems by artists from Studio2.
61 City
of Literature South D Poet Lorikeet Jenny Powell joined the Enviroschools team
and students on their Great Southern Bioblitz hui at Tomahawk Lagoon, and
together they created original poems inspired by the day. The City of
Literature then worked with Marketing and Design to publish the poems and
photographs as a collection for schools and whānau.
62 Poet Emma
Neale’s latest collection Liar, Liar, Lick, Spit, winner of the
Mary and Peter Biggs Award for Poetry in the Ockham New Zealand Book Awards,
has been accepted for the ‘Cities of Literature Book Club’ in the
Bendigo Writers Festival 2025, at which a panel of highly regarded Australian
writers will discuss the collection in front of a live audience.
63 The City of Literature is collaborating with WellSouth on a series of free workshops ‘Writing
for Wellness’. City of Literature South D Poet Lorikeet Jenny Powell
joins Health Improvement Practitioners to offer writing skills for self-care,
such as writing for sleep, grief, connection and joy.
Creative Partnerships Activity Reporting
64 At a
high-level Creative Partnerships operational activities are summarised below.
|
Creative capability
|
We connect with Ōtepoti Dunedin’s creative
communities to support creative capability.
|
|
Creative Partnership
|
We collaborate with organisations and community groups to help
achieve great arts, creative and cultural wellbeing outcomes for Ōtepoti
Dunedin.
|
|
Creative Advocacy
|
We champion the creative sectors’ contribution to
community wellbeing and to a vibrant Ōtepoti Dunedin.
|
Creative Partnerships key Activity
65 The
Creative Partnerships team proactively works with organisations and individual
artists and assists them with project development, potential studio spaces,
festival and event logistics, capability development, and funding plans.
66 Staff take
relationship-based approach to this community engagement, and to minimise
barriers for potential applicants, will often meet outside work hours or at
locations that best suit applicants.
67 The team supports and
promotes the visibility and successes of local creative and cultural activities
through its long-form newsletter Toi Oho, weekly gig guide Te
Ōtepoti Hou, and its new podcast Ara Toi on Air. The
team regularly promotes local events, creative practices, and arts businesses
on its growing social media platforms.
68 As part of
its Creative Capabilities programme, Ara Toi/Creative Partnerships works with
groups to provide opportunities for developing proficiency in areas such as
business practice, marketing and promotion, project management, fund-raising.
69 Creative
communities identify their specific capability needs and the team helps to put
together appropriate learning and support programmes. This includes finding
appropriate mentors and teachers, as well as running some activities in-house.
Music Advisory Panel
70 The
inaugural meeting of the Panel took place in February. Discussions focused on
current ŌLMAP-related activities led by DCC and the Ara Toi/Creative
Partnerships team. Staff presented a draft of the 2025/26 Te Ōtepoti Hou
project, which aims to engage musicians, technicians, and recording studios in
showcasing the diversity of local music practices. The
Panel responded positively and expressed support for the initiative.
Creative Grants Summary
71 Graph
23 shows the percentage of total DCC Arts and CNZ Creative Communities Scheme
grants allocated across creative medium for the seven years to March 2025. The
data track where applications are coming from, where funding is allocated, and
allows staff to identify trends over time. This in turn is used to help staff
prioritise outreach and engagement. Please note that these data do not include
Professional Theatre Fund or City Service grants.
72 Graph 24
shows the percentage of total DCC Arts and CNZ Creative Communities Scheme
grants allocated across Māori, Pāsifika, other minority communities
for the seven years to March 2025. The team is happy with the general trend
upwards and will continue to work to improve results in these areas.
Creative Partnerships Highlights
73 For
NZ Music Month, staff published a music-themed edition of Toi Oho, featuring five
young women writing about Ōtepoti music, from feminist punk to
contemporary classical. A social media call-out for writers caught the
attention of the NZ Music Commission, who shared the publication and profiled
contributor Grace Shaw in their national Sounds
Like Home campaign. This initiative supports the Ōtepoti Live
Music Action Plan and highlights local music on a national stage.
74 This
reporting period staff ran a range of workshops for creatives, with our
partners including Boosted, Otago Community Trust, Script to Screen, Film
Otago/Southland, and Copyright NZ. Topics covered included arts funding and
grant writing, budgeting, admin tools, scriptwriting and production, and
copyright in visual arts and music.
Creative Partnerships Trends and Issues: The national
context.
75 Manatū
Taonga released released its draft creative and cultural strategy, Amplify,
for consultation in November 2024. Amplify promotes a focus
on growing sector capacity by developing mutually beneficial partnerships for
creative and cultural collaboration and skills sharing, as well as exploring
non-government funding avenues. There is a focus on skills development,
including vocational training, supporting the use of new technology, increasing
business skills, and capability training for organisations. It aims to boost
cultural tourism, economic growth, and creative export outputs.
76 In
March 2025, Creative New Zealand (CNZ) released its draft long-term strategic plan,
highlighting challenges such as artists’ financial insecurity, strain on
creative infrastructure, and the marginalisation of arts in decision-making.
The plan proposes a shift towards people-focused, community-led, and
relationship-based funding. From 2027, CNZ will replace its Toi Tōtara
Haemata and Toi Uru Kahikatea programmes with a general Arts Organisations and
Groups Fund. Local Kahikatea-funded groups, the Dunedin Symphony Orchestra,
Blue Oyster, and DPAG have funding secured to 2025, with possible extension to
the end of 2026.
Community
Partnerships Activity Reporting
73 At a high-level
Community Partnerships operational activities are summarised below.
|
Community
|
Supporting groups to achieve their collective goals for a better
future through advice, activities, and grant advice and support, in alignment
with DCC strategies.
|
|
Youth
|
Empowering young people through the Dunedin Youth Council and
Ōtepoti Youth Vision, fostering youth-led positive experiences.
|
|
Taskforce Green
|
Helping volunteers build confidence and skills through
meaningful work that benefits the DCC and community groups. Long term
partnership with MSD who supports 3 paid supervisor roles every 6 months.
|
|
Enviroschools
|
Partnering with 35 Ōtepoti/Dunedin schools in turning
environmental ideas into action, including hosting four annual hui that
promotes sustainability for teachers and students.
|
|
Keep Dunedin Beautiful
|
Partnering with KDB Trust and other community groups to support
sustainability projects, community clean-ups, and graffiti response efforts.
|
Community Activity
Grants:
77 In Quarter
1, the place based fund distributed $460,000 across 10 place based groups. For
Quarter 2, 46 Community Grant applications were assessed and $98,000
distributed. In Quarter 3, 38 Community Grant applications were assessed with
just over $97,000 distributed.
78 Standard
Operating Procedures for grant assessments have been drafted to increase
efficiency and consistency.
Council Mandated Advisory Groups:
79 The was
support provided for the Social Wellbeing Advisory Group’s workshop with
Councillors regarding the Social Wellbeing Strategy.
80 There has
been ongoing support for Dunedin Former Refugee Steering Group and Disability
Issues Advisory Group.
Community Engagement:
81 There have
been regular meetings with Pasifika, Former Refugee and other ethnic
communities.
82 There has
also been participation in community events like Polyfest, South Dunedin Street
Festival, and Moananui Festival.
83 A new
Community Advisor was appointed in Quarter 3 who has a focus on growing
engagement with Māori.
Service Level Agreements:
84 Oversight
of Cosy Homes Trust and Dunedin Budgetary Advisory Services agreements
continued during Quarter 1 and 2. In Quarter 3 an update report on the agreements
with both organisations was submitted to the Grants Subcommittee. Youth
Activities
Dunedin Youth Council (DYC):
85 DYC has
been busy with:
· Soundwave
Festival
· Attending
national youth forums
· Otago
Polyfest engagement
· End-of-term
celebration
· ORC
Bus Safety Campaign
· Recruitment
and induction of 9 new DYC members
· Participation
in Health & Safety and Policy workshops
86 Staff met
with the Youth Hub group and attended Youth Intervention meetings.
87 The Youth
Vision Survey is with the Policy team for review. A need has been
identified for more youth-led and creative activities.
Taskforce Green
88 The
following table listed the volunteer hours that contributed to DCC and
Community Group work programmes.
|
Quarter 1
|
Quarter 2
|
Quarter 3
|
|
3,460 hours
|
4,500+ hours
|
4,830 hours
|
89 The various
projects have included flood support, firewood delivery, graffiti removal,
renovating eight park benches and support for ten major events.
Enviroschools
90 Quarter 1
saw 2,177 students involved in 394 hours of sustainability
projects. There were 1,669 students involved in 378.5 hours of
projects in Quarter 2.
91 Other
highlights were the Teacher Cluster Café, a student hui, a
Principals’ Breakfast, hosting events like BioBlitz and Toi Moana and the
recruitment of a new facilitator.
Keep Dunedin Beautiful
92 During the
reporting period, staff participated in a range of clean-up and beautification
efforts. This included the removal of over 500kg of rubbish in Quarter 3,
graffiti removal, and both the planning and completion of murals. Additionally,
staff participated in clean-up activities at community events such as the
Brighton Gala Day, O-Week, and the Hyde Street Party.
Housing
Activity Reporting
93 At
a high-level Housing operational activities are summarized below:
|
Policies:
|
Create policies
– homelessness and DCC land use.
|
|
Collaboration:
|
Create
collaboration opportunities.
|
|
Improved quality:
|
Investigate
ways to increase the quality of our housing.
|
|
Increase supply:
|
Create
mechanisms to increase housing supply.
|
|
Our vulnerable:
|
Look after our
most vulnerable.
|
|
Resources:
|
Increase access
to information.
|
94 A
full update report will be provided at this meeting and will provide a
comprehensive overview of ongoing work.
Implementation Plan
95 The
2024/2026 Implementation Plan was adopted at the 26 November 2024 Council
meeting. The report presented at this meeting articulates the progress
against each of the actions.
Recent Highlights
96 The
Advisor spoke at a national conference on Affordable Housing.
97 The
Outcomes Star database continues to progress with a total of 16 frontline staff
members across 10 agencies, NGOs and charities.
98 The Advisor
has taken the convenor role in the motu-wide council group of staff working in
the homeless space.
99 The
Advisor has actively been working with an affordable housing developer and a
community group to create housing for vulnerable people.
Community Events Activity
Reporting
100 At a high-level Community
Events operational activities are summarised below:
|
Being ourselves
|
Encourage and provide opportunities for our community to
celebrate its identity, environment, diversity and talent.
|
|
Getting the basics right
|
Make it easier to put on great events in Dunedin.
|
|
Aiming high
|
Put everything in place to attract exceptional major city events
that showcase Dunedin.
|
|
Putting the word out
|
Promote Dunedin’s rich calendar of events to locals,
visitors and the world
|
|
Enhancing skills and resources
|
Strengthen the city’s framework of funding, support and
people to help festivals and events flourish and develop.
|
|
Making it work for Dunedin
|
Recognise and make the most of the particular benefits each
event can bring to the city.
|
Event Team Overview
101 In early 2024, Events
transferred into the Enterprise Dunedin team, strengthening the alignment
between events, tourism, and economic development. Staff report increased
innovation and stronger alignment with the draft Festival and Events Plan.
102 Key events to note
from July 2024 – May 2025 are:
· Remembrance
Day (Nov): ~300 attendees
· Christmas
in the Garden (Nov): New family event, ~1,500 attendees
· New
Year’s Eve (Dec): Octagon celebration, ~3,000 attendees
· Sunday
Sounds (Feb–Mar): Music at Botanic Garden, ~800/day
· Waitangi
Day (Feb): ~500 attendees, strong community engagement
· Chinese
Cultural Festival: Expanded programme, ~4,000 attendees, 96% satisfaction
· George
Street Market: 49,000 visitors, high vendor and public satisfaction
· ANZAC
Day (Apr): ~5,000 attendees
· Matariki
mā Puaka (June): Night market and drone shows planned; 15,000+ expected
· 2026
Masters Games: Planning underway, event scheduled for Jan–Feb 2026
All Blacks Test Activation (July 2025)
103 A hub in the Octagon
is planned and will feature live music, food vendors, and a controlled licensed
area. Transport options from the hub will include Park’n’Ride
services, buses, and a guided walking route to the stadium.
Other Supported Events
104 Since January 2025, 49
events have been supported, including national sports and community festivals.
Festival and Events Plan
105 A new plan drafted
post-consultation. There has been $4.4M allocated in draft 9-Year Plan.
Event Funding
106 Over two rounds of Community
Grants, $82K has been awarded.
107 Fifteen applications
have been received for Major/Premier Grants and there is $525,000 to distribute
108 Five events received
$113,000 from the Regional Events Promotional Fund.
109 Otago Community Trust
provided $15,000 for the Matariki Grants and 15 groups have received funding.
Engagement and Support
110 Two industry workshops
held (budgeting, health and safety) and more workshops planned for late 2025.
The Events Toolkit has been updated.
Parks and Recreation
Services Activity
Reporting
111 At a high-level Parks
and Recreational services operational activities are summarised below:
|
Our community
is active
|
We provide
accessible sport, recreation and outdoor activities and events for the
community to enjoy being active.
|
|
Our parks and
facilities support the community to thrive
|
We provide parks
and facilities that contribute to improving community wellbeing.
|
|
Our parks,
natural landscapes, flora and fauna are treasured by the community
|
We protect,
restore and ensure the community understands the importance of our ecosystems
and biodiversity.
|
|
We work with
others
|
We build strong
community relationships and partnerships with mana whenua
|
Aquatics
Highlights
112 Waterworld
indoor waterpark set up at Moana Pool during the September 2024 school
holidays. The activity was extremely popular, with sold out sessions each
day. Waterworld will be back at Moana Pool in September this year.
113 Hydrotherapy
aqua fitness class at Te Puna Whakaehu has continued to grow in popularity
averaging 90% capacity.
114 St
Clair Hot Salt Water Pool recorded 40,250 visits for the 24/25 season (Oct
’24 – Mar ’25), this is an increase of 1300 visits, or 3.5%,
compared to the previous year.
115 This
reporting period there were 36,379 hydroslide users.
116 A new
mural was commissioned to brighten up the long-term hoarding on the edge of the
sun terrace area outside the leisure pool at Moana Pool. Local street artist
Koryu Aoshima has activated this space with his work Where the Land
Meets the Sea, depicting land and marine environments filled with plants
and animals commonly seen in Dunedin, blending local nature into the narrative.
117 Te
Puna o Whakaehu continues to be popular, attracting 144,696 visitors, at an
average of 14,470 visits per month (July ’24 – Dec ’25). This
trend continues to be higher than the estimated 11, 660 monthly visits predicted
in the feasibility / planning phase for the new pool.
118 The Moana pool
refurbishment programme of works since July 2024:
119 Family
Change room improvements – new Traxite flooring, cubicle replacements,
new cultural theme wall tiling and updated emergency lighting.
120 Learners
Pool – new external roof, new air ventilation ducts, walls painted, minor
concrete repairs.
121 Grid
A (West wall) – removal of asbestos contaminated ground, new external
Kingspan insulated panels, internal Asona acoustic panels and new cultural
theme wall tiling.
122 Asbestos
removal – Plant Room stages 1 and 2 complete.
123 Staff
Change rooms – The contractors have commenced work which is progressing
well.
124 Design
work – Site wide emergency lighting replacement, site wide fire alarm
upgrade, Hydro-slide refurbishment assessment, completion to Developed Design
of Heat Recovery and Ventilation upgrade, Design and Build of new roof and
ceiling replacement between Main Pool and Leisure Pool.
Challenges
125 Demand
for pool space across all aquatic facilities remains high during peak times. A
range of popular sports such as water polo, diving, underwater hockey, and
synchronized swimming require access to deep water. These needs must be
balanced with those of community users, including aqua joggers, casual lane
swimmers, and aqua aerobics participants.
126 Phase
two of the refurbishment at Moana Pool is ongoing, requiring periodic closures
of certain areas as work progresses. These disruptions can be challenging for
both staff and the public as they impact daily routines, available space, and
access to activities.
Trends and Issues
127 The Hydrotherapy aqua fitness class at Te Puna Whakaehu continues to grow
in popularity, averaging 90% capacity.
128 This class provides an
important opportunity for those with accessibility and movement challenges to
participate in a structured group exercise environment. Many of these
participants are able to progress to more physically challenging classes
offered by the Aquatics team.
129 Moana Pool
Gym continues to prove popular averaging 8,300 visits per month (July 2024
– March 2025).
Sportsbook
and facilities bookings
Highlights
130 In
the past seven years, there has been just one general sport field closure for
weekend sport. This was during the 2024 October major rain event, where fields
were closed as a precaution. This reflects the success of the proactive
approach staff and contractors take to maintenance.
131 Upgrade
work on the Tahuna playing fields is completed. This has included leveling and
the installation of a new irrigation system. This compliments the 2023 upgrade
of the grandstand complex, completed for the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Challenges
132 Sports clubs are
experiencing rising operating and insurance costs, which can place pressure on
their ability to maintain their facilities. As a result, there has been an
increase in requests for Council assistance with the upkeep or replacement of
club-owned assets.
Trends and Issues
133 Graph 25 below shows
the total monthly bookings for sports fields and facilities from July 2024 to
March 2025.
134 Summer
bookings for Touch, Softball and Cricket commence in February as the
School/College terms begin.
DCC
Cemeteries and Crematorium
Trends
135 Total
number Cremations and Burials for the 9-month period to End of March 2025 are
slightly ahead of the same 9-month period in 2023/24, 752 vs 716 respectively.
Challenges
136 Continued
cost increases of LPG, with the expectation of further increases, has led to
the planned installation of an oxygen analyzer in each of our crematorium
furnaces. Installation of each analyzer is estimated to provide up to 30%
savings in fuel consumption and will be completed this financial year.
Botanic Garden
Highlights
137 The Friends of the Dunedin Botanic
Garden, mana whenua and the Dunedin City Council were delighted to open the
upgraded children’s playground in September 2024. Its modern design
encourages natural play, with a focus on connecting children with nature and the
forest. The playground is designed to be inclusive for children of all
abilities and was extremely popular during the summer months.
138 The Botanic Garden is
playing a key role in a Department of Conservation project to conserve
Craspedia argentea as part of their ‘Species on the Brink’
initiative. Nursery staff have been assisting by growing plants in pots,
hand pollinating flowers, collecting seed and recording results. The team have
been advising on how best way to grow plants for translocation and direct
sowing back to the wild.
139 The inaugural
Christmas in the Park event was held in the Lower Garden in December and
attracted an audience of approximately 2000. Staff collaborated with community
and events team colleagues, and look forward to building on this success in
2025.
140 The Botanic Garden combined with
International Plant Propagators held a one-day symposium ‘A career in
Horticulture’ 3 November 2024. About 40 people attended. Propagation
staff provided tours, assisted with event organisation, and hosted for the
event.
141 The aviary has
continued its rehabilitation partnership with the Dunedin Wildlife Hospital.
This season staff assisted with wild kākā, tui and a busy hoiho
breeding season.
142 The South Island
kākā breeding program was quieter this season with only 2 chicks
produced and several infertile eggs laid.
Parks and
Planning
Highlights
143 Mayfield Avenue Playground – a new
modular pump track and car parking were installed and opened in February 2025
144 Logan Park Hockey Turf
Resurfacing – Both hockey turfs have recently been renewed with new shock
pad underlay and playing surfaces. Work was completed in March, in time for the
beginning of the new Hockey season.
145 In the 22 February
2023 Council passed the following motion:
|
Outram Glen -
Facilities Upgrade
|
|
|
A report from Property
provided an update on the cost to upgrade the facilities at Outram Glen which
included the provision of a new toilet and road sealing options.
|
|
|
The General Manager, Corporate and Quality (Robert
West) and Group Manager, Property Services (Anna Nilsen) spoke to the report
and responded to questions.
|
|
|
Moved (Cr Cherry Lucas/Cr David Benson-Pope):
That the Council:
Approves
the installation of new toilets and BBQ, and regrade and resurface the accessway
with Otta seal.
Motion
carried (CNL/2023/023)
|
146 Work is progressing
well on the Outram Glen BBQ area and is on track to be completed this financial
year.
147 Council had resolved
to use otta seal on the accessway into Outram Glen but latest advice from the
Transport team is that Finlayson Rd AP32 would be more
suitable and cost effective finish due to the area being prone to flooding
which would cause the otta seal finish to lift.
148 2024-2025 Playspaces
Implementation Plan. New Capital projects. Mayfield Street pump
track, Kirriemuir Street Playground half basketball court, Portobello Domain
basketball and skate are completed. Brockville Park basketball and skate
will be completed by 30 June.
149 2024-2025 Playspaces
Implementation Plan. Playground Capital refurbishments. Botanic Garden
Playground completed, and St Clair Playground will be completed by 30 June.
150 Hearings have been
held for Signal Hill Reserve Management Plan, Town Belt RMP and Otago Harbour
RMP.
151 The
Ross Creek carpark accessibility carpark installed, making the Ross Creek
tracks more accessible for people with mobility issues.
152 Jubilee
Park tracks upgrades to provide two loops- one with walker/buggy friendly
function.
153 IDEA services (litter collection at
parks in South Dunedin) received the Keep Dunedin Beautiful Award this year for
their effort!
154 New community group
joining the conservation effort on DCC land – Hikaroroa Mt Watkin
Community Conservation Group
155 Working with Ben
Rudd’s Trust, QEII, ORC, and Aukaha on rowan control in Flagstaff to help
stop the spread into the trust land
156 Improved volunteer
information webpage for easier registration. It bumped up the number of
enquiries from 4 (Mar 2024) to 23 (Mar 2025).
157 Organised Volunteer
Celebration event in February with guest speakers to explore the ideas of
Miyawaki-inspired planting method. Received feedback from attendees that it was
inspiring.
Challenges
158 There is currently
strong interest in volunteering and DCC is looking for suitable sites to match
the capabilities of the groups. Most volunteers are interested in one-off
opportunities rather than making a long-term commitment.
159 Work continues to
educate campers of the recent legislative changes to the Freedom Camping Act
regarding new self-containment standards.
City Sanctuary - Predator Free Dunedin
Overview
160 This year City Sanctuary’s
predator free trapping community has stepped up in support of the project since
3 of City Sanctuary’s core staff members left the project in January.
Volunteers have shown a real commitment to the project and understanding of our
staffing issues which has been demonstrated by the increase in volunteer
contributions.
161 In March, a South
Island Robin population was detected in the Ross Creek Reserve for the first
time in approximately 10 years. The return of these birds to the area could be
directly related to the intensive predator control at the site over the past 5
years. South Island Robin specialists continue to monitor the birds and tagging
them may be an option in the future.
162 City Sanctuary
implemented its Five-minute Bird Count (5MBC) programme in January 2025 and
volunteers have been enlisted to manage the quarterly monitors.
163 Across the city, there
have been mysterious sightings of Weka. Footage was captured on a City
Sanctuary trail camera, two birds are resident at Seconds beach, and several
other sightings have been made from residential backyards in North East Valley.
City Sanctuary is working closely with Birds Otago to map and monitor their
movements.
164 Attended
to over 60 wasp nest reports from urban reserves.
Highlights
165 This
year, City Sanctuary has recruited 12 more volunteers bringing the total number
of active volunteers to 148. There are also presently 474 active backyard
trappers across the 9000ha City Sanctuary operating area.
166 For
the period January – March 2025, volunteers have contributed 5162.5 hours
towards the project. This marks an 11% increase in volunteer participation
compared to January – March 2024 (4591 hours).
167 The total number of
predators (rats, mice, possums, hedgehogs, and mustelids) removed for the
period January – March 2025 was 959, this marks a 7% decrease compared to
the same period last year where 1034 predators were removed.
Trends and Issues
168 This year wasp reports
across city reserves have increased by approximately 50%. This increase follows
a nationally observed trend. Contractors have agreed that a city-wide wasp
management plan will need to be developed in order to stay on top of the issue,
particularly in our high use recreational reserves. Data is presently being
collated and mapped to develop a DCC Reserves Wasp Management Plan for
implementation in December 2025 – March 2026.
OPTIONS
169 As
this is a report for noting, there are no options.
NEXT STEPS
170 Work programmes and
initiatives outlined in this activity report will continue as described.
Signatories
|
Author:
|
Gina Hu'akau - Community Partnerships Manager
Rula Abu-Safieh Talahma - Senior Policy Analyst
Heath Ellis - Group Manager Parks and Recreation
Nicky Page - Director, City of Literature
Cam McCracken - Director DPAG, Toitū, Lan Yuan and
Olveston
Dan Hendra - Team Leader - Events
Gill Brown - Principal Policy Advisor Housing
|
|
Authoriser:
|
Nicola Morand - Manahautū (General Manager Policy and
Partnerships)
Scott MacLean - General Manager, Climate and City Growth
Cam McCracken - Director DPAG, Toitū, Lan Yuan and
Olveston
|
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.
|
|
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 refresh of the DCC’s four wellbeing strategies
is a critical piece of work that is overseen by the Panel.
|
|
Māori Impact Statement
Alignment of the four wellbeing strategies with Te Taki
Haruru is central to the work updated in this report.
|
|
Sustainability
Alignment of the four wellbeing strategies with
Council’s commitment to sustainability is central to the work updated
in this report.
|
|
Zero carbon
This
is not applicable to this report
|
|
LTP/Annual Plan / Financial Strategy /Infrastructure
Strategy
The activity updates reported are included in the 10 Year
Plan and Annual Plan.
|
|
Financial considerations
The activity updates reported are within existing budgets.
|
|
Significance
This is considered low in terms of the Significance and
Engagement Policy.
|
|
Engagement – external
As this is an activity update report, no external
engagement has been undertaken.
|
|
Engagement - internal
As this is an activity update report, no internal
engagement has been undertaken.
|
|
Risks: Legal / Health and Safety etc.
There are no identified risks.
|
|
Conflict of Interest
There are no known conflicts of interest.
|
|
Community Boards
Any specific issues are discussed with the appropriate
Community Board.
|
|
|
Community Services Committee
18 June 2025
|
Freedom Camping 2024/25 End Of Season Report
Department: Parks and Recreation
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
1 This
report provides a summary of 2024/25 Freedom Camping Season Statistics
(Attachment A).
2 Freedom
camping in Dunedin is managed through education and enforcement of the Camping
Control Bylaw 2015 (the Bylaw).
3 Nightly
freedom camping compliance patrols during the 2024/25 season were conducted
over a three-month patrol period between 18 December 2024 and 17 March 2025 of
known freedom camping sites. Compliance officers also responded to individual
complaints of non-compliant freedom camping outside this period.
4 Data
collected during nightly compliance patrols showed an 8% decrease in freedom
camper numbers compared with data collected during the 2023/2024 freedom
camping season.
5 Ten
thousand, five hundred and forty-one (10,541) freedom camping vehicles were
counted across Dunedin City during the period 18 December 2024 to 17 March 2025.
Over the extent of the camping season (1 November 2024 – 31 May 2025), 42
Bylaw infringement notices were issued and 70 complaints regarding freedom
camping were made to Dunedin City Council (DCC) staff.
6 New
self-containment standards for rental camping vehicles came into effect on 7
December 2024. The Ministry for Business Employment and Innovation (MBIE)
announced an extension to the transition period for privately owned camping
vehicles, which will now need to comply to the new standards by 7 June 2026.
7 Due
to consistently high levels of Bylaw compliance over successive seasons,
compliance patrols will transition to a response-based model during the
2025/2026, in which officers will only attend sites in which Bylaw offences
have been reported.
RECOMMENDATIONS
That the Committee:
a) Notes the Freedom
Camping 2024/25 End of Season Report.
BACKGROUND
Management of the Camping Control
Bylaw
8 The
Bylaw permits freedom camping in certified self-contained vehicles on
hard-stand (gravelled or sealed) DCC parking spaces, excluding scheduled
prohibited areas. The Bylaw also provides freedom camping for all vehicle
types at three unrestricted sites: the Warrington Domain, Thomas Burns Street
carpark (from 1 November to 30 April each year) and Ocean View Reserve.
Camping is permitted for up to two consecutive nights at all sites and campers
must obey on-site signage to be Bylaw-compliant.
9 Freedom
camping compliance officers patrol known camping sites nightly during the
freedom camping season. If Bylaw non-compliance is encountered, officers may issue
infringement notices.
10 Complaints
of non-compliant freedom camping received by DCC are referred to compliance
officers for investigation. Officers investigate all complaints, during
daylight hours or as part of their nightly patrols, depending on the nature of
the complaint and the availability of resources.
11 In addition
to the freedom camping compliance programme, the DCC, in partnership with the
Department of Conservation (DOC), employs three Community Rangers between 27
October and 30 April as part of a joint education initiative.
12 The
Community Rangers visit known freedom camping sites during the day to provide
campers with freedom camping regulatory information. The seasonal Community
Ranger programme has been operational since 2018.
13 Both the
Community Ranger programme and the camping compliance programme gather data on camper
numbers and behaviour. These data sets inform future management
programmes.
Self-Contained Motor Vehicles Legislation Act 2023
14 The
Self-Contained Motor Vehicles Legislation Act (SCMVLA) received Royal Assent on
6 June 2023. The Act amended the Freedom Camping Act 2011 and the Plumbers,
Gasfitters and Drainlayers Act 2006 to reduce the adverse effects of freedom
camping. The major changes introduced by the Act include:
a) The requirement for
vehicle-based freedom campers to use a certified self-contained vehicle when
staying on council land, unless the council designates a site as suitable for
non-self-contained vehicles through a bylaw;
b) The establishment of a
regulated system for the certification and registration of self-contained
vehicles;
c) An amendment to the
definition of freedom camping to prohibit enforcement action against homeless
people;
d) A requirement for
vehicles to have a fixed toilet to be certified as self-contained;
e) Strengthening of the
infringement system and an increase in infringement fees;
f) An extension of the
Freedom Camping Act to include land managed by Waka Kotahi New Zealand
Transport Agency and Toitū Te Whenua Land Information New Zealand.
15 Existing
self-containment certificates are being phased out over a transition period,
allowing vehicle owners time to modify their vehicles to meet the new
certification requirements. Rental vehicles were required to comply by 7
December 2024, while private vehicle owners were initially given until 7 June
2025. Certification standards have changed from blue warrant certificates to
green warrant certificates.
16 As of 7
December 2024, the transition period for rental vehicle providers ended. All
rental camping vehicles must now display a green certificate as proof of
compliance with the new self-containment requirements.
17 On 27
February 2025, the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE)
announced an extension of the transition period for private vehicle owners,
pushing the compliance deadline out to 7 June 2026.
DISCUSSION
18 Compliance
officers patrolled known freedom camping sites nightly over the three-month
period from 18 December 2024 to 17 March 2025 and issued infringement notices
for Bylaw offences. Officers also investigated reports of non-compliant freedom
camping, outside of their standard patrol areas.
19 Three
Community Rangers were employed under a joint agreement with the Department of
Conservation (DOC). The 2024/2025 Community Ranger programme was shortened to
reduce costs, with Rangers patrolling from 18 November 2024 to 4 April 2025.
20 Community
Rangers provided freedom campers with Bylaw information and guidance on the
changes brought forth by the SCMVLA during daily patrols of popular sites, with
focus on the recent increase in infringement fees and changes to
self-containment requirements.
21 Community
Rangers conducted a survey of private self-contained vehicle owners to gain
insight into awareness of the transition to green certificate self-containment
requirements.
22 Of 190
private vehicle owners surveyed:
a) 171
(90%) were aware that certification requirements for their vehicles were
changing
b) 112 (59%)
planned to obtain green certification, making changes to their vehicles as
necessary
c) 10
(5%) believed their vehicle would not need modifying to obtain green
certification
d) 33 (17%)
experienced difficulty understanding the green certification requirements, or
were struggling to meet the costs of modifying their vehicles
e) 68 (36%)
planned to sell their vehicle without obtaining green certification and return
to their home country
23 Community
Rangers reported a high level of compliance with rental vehicles displaying
green certification. In cases of non-compliance, campers were warned of
potential infringements and encouraged to discuss the issue with the vehicle
provider.
24 Compliance
officers counted ten thousand, five hundred and forty-one (10,541) freedom
camping vehicles across Dunedin City during the period 18 December 2024 to 17
March 2025.
25 This was an
8% decrease in vehicles counted over the same period during the 2023/2024
season (11517 vehicles counted), marking the first seasonal decrease in camping
vehicle numbers since the 2020/2021 season, which was affected by Covid-19
lockdowns and border restrictions.
26 Peak
vehicle numbers over the December – March period (15,375) were observed
during the 2019/2020 season, shortly before Covid-19 travel restrictions were
introduced.
27 Information
provided by Stats NZ shows increases in overseas visitor arrivals over the
2024/2025 freedom camping in season, when compared to the 2023/2024 season.
28 The
DCC’s three unrestricted freedom camping sites remained popular with
campers and accommodated 6,181 (59%) of the vehicles counted. The
Warrington Domain was the most popular with 2,710 vehicles; the Thomas Burns
Street carpark accommodated 2,253 vehicles and the Ocean View Reserve, 1,219
vehicles.
29 Camper
numbers at the Thomas Burns Street site decreased, while numbers at the
Warrington Domain and Ocean View Reserve increased when compared to the
previous season.
30 Of the
vehicles staying at unrestricted sites, 2957 (48%) were certified
self-contained. This was a decrease from 54% self-contained during the previous
season.
31 The
Brighton Domain and St Clair Esplanade were the most popular restricted sites
with 1,571 and 600 vehicles counted, respectively. The Kensington Oval
saw an 83% decrease in freedom camping vehicle numbers, from 775 during the
2023/2024 season, to 129 during the 2024/2025 season.
32 Vehicles
staying at restricted sites must display an NZS 5465:2001 self-containment
certificate to be Bylaw-compliant.
33 Forty-two
(42) infringement notices were issued for non-compliant camping during the
2024/25 season, of which, 14 were subsequently waived. This is an increase from
7 notices issued during the 2023/2024 season in which compliance officers were
tasked with an education-first approach, due to recent changes in legislation. Infringement
notices peaked during the 2018/19 season with 682 issued.
34 The
majority of infringement notices were issued to vehicles camping in a
restricted area without displaying a valid self-containment certificate (25
infringements issued) and to vehicles exceeding the two-consecutive-night
maximum permitted stay (15 infringements issued).
35 Seventy
(70) complaints of non-compliant freedom camping were received between 1
November 2024 and 14 May 2025. This equates to 0.7 complaints per 100
freedom camping vehicles counted.
36 The
definition of freedom camping was amended under the SCMVLA to exclude people
who are ‘unable to live in appropriate residential accommodation’
from enforcement action, provided they are not in New Zealand on a visitor
visa.
37 MBIE is
currently seeking feedback from Councils on the effects of this amendment, as
part of a review required by the SCMVLA.
38 Compliance
officers that encounter homeless campers provide information regarding the
Ministry of Social Development’s Emergency Housing service in the first
instance, with personal details then referred to DCC’s team for
follow-up, if these details have been provided.
39 Year-to-date
freedom camping compliance costs totalled $116,472.
OPTIONS
40 As this
report is for noting only, no options are presented.
NEXT STEPS
41 Staff will
commence planning for the upcoming 2025/2026 freedom camping season. Focus
points will include:
a) Continued
education of campers regarding the new requirements of the SCMVLA through the
Community Ranger program
b) Monitoring
the effects of the SCMVLA on camper numbers at Council’s unrestricted
freedom camping sites
42 Compliance
officers will transition to a reactive patrol function during the 2025/2026
freedom camping season. This is expected to reduce enforcement costs by only
deploying enforcement officers to address specific reports of non-compliant
freedom camping.
Signatories
|
Author:
|
Stephen Hogg - Parks and Recreation Planner
John Brenkley - Planning and Partnerships Manager
|
|
Authoriser:
|
Heath Ellis - Group Manager Parks and Recreation
Scott MacLean - General Manager, Climate and City Growth
|
Attachments
|
|
Title
|
Page
|
|
⇩a
|
2024/2025 Freedom
Camping Season Statistics
|
101
|
|
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 economic
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.
This report allows communities to be informed of
decision-making that effects their social, economic and environmental
well-being.
|
|
Fit with strategic framework
|
|
Contributes
|
Detracts
|
Not applicable
|
|
Social Wellbeing Strategy
|
✔
|
☐
|
☐
|
|
Economic Development Strategy
|
✔
|
☐
|
☐
|
|
Environment Strategy
|
✔
|
☐
|
☐
|
|
Arts and Culture Strategy
|
☐
|
☐
|
✔
|
|
3 Waters Strategy
|
☐
|
☐
|
✔
|
|
Spatial Plan
|
☐
|
☐
|
✔
|
|
Integrated Transport Strategy
|
☐
|
☐
|
✔
|
|
Parks and Recreation Strategy
|
✔
|
☐
|
☐
|
|
Other strategic projects/policies/plans
|
☐
|
☐
|
✔
|
|
|
Māori Impact Statement
The management of the freedom camping programme and the
Camping Control Bylaw 2015 (and any subsequent amendments), does not limit or
affect the rights in relation to nohaonga entitlements under the Ngai Tahu
Claims Settlement Act 1998.
|
|
Sustainability
Effective monitoring and management of freedom camping is
necessary to ensure positive outcomes with regard to social and environmental
sustainability.
|
|
LTP/Annual Plan / Financial Strategy /Infrastructure
Strategy
The operational costs of managing freedom camping are
currently provided for in the 10-year plan 2021-2031.
|
|
Financial considerations
There are no financial considerations as this report is
for noting only.
|
|
Significance
The findings within this report are considered low in
terms of the Council’s Significance and Engagement policy.
|
|
Engagement – external
There has been no external engagement.
|
|
Engagement - internal
Parks and Recreation Services engage directly with the
Customer Services Agency, Fleet Services, Communications and Marketing
departments during the freedom camping season.
|
|
Risks: Legal / Health and Safety etc.
There are no identified risks.
|
|
Conflict of Interest
There are no known conflicts of interest.
|
|
Community Boards
Freedom camping sites are located throughout the
city. Community Boards work closely with staff in identifying and
resolving freedom camping issues when these arise in their communities.
|
|
|
Community Services Committee
18 June 2025
|
Ōtepoti Dunedin Housing Plan Update
Department: Māori, Partnerships and Policy
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
1 This
report is an update on the work towards the Ōtepoti Dunedin Housing Plan
2022 (The Plan) adopted by Council on 30 August 2022.
2 It
outlines the progress made by staff against each of the 15 action points of the
Plan’s second Implementation Plan 2024-2026 which was noted by Council on
25 November 2024.
3 Staff
have initiated work against the 15 actions outlined in the Implementation Plan
2024 – 2026. This report provides an update on work completed,
started and/or progressed.
RECOMMENDATIONS
That the Committee:
a) Notes the update
against the Ōtepoti Dunedin Housing Plan 2022 and its Implementation Plan
2024 – 2026.
BACKGROUND
4 The
Implementation Plan 2024 - 2026 has 15 actions against six priority work
areas. The actions were developed and prioritised in consultation with
stakeholders.
5 The
priority work areas for 2024-2026 are:
· Complete the
vulnerable people and DCC land use policies.
· Create
collaboration opportunities.
· Progress ways to
improve the quality of our housing.
· Create mechanisms
to utilise Dunedin City Council owned land to increase housing supply.
· Continue work
towards our functional zero approach to homelessness.
· Continue the
update of the website and easy to read resources.
6 The
Implementation Plan 2024 – 2026 actions have been identified in
consultation with groups and individuals in DCCs database.
DISCUSSION
Complete the vulnerable people and
Dunedin City Council Land Use Policies.
Action 1 – complete policy work around
managing homeless groups (including belongings) and DCC residential land
use/disposal.
7 Both
policies work are currently in the research phase. This includes:
· Reviewing
relevant bylaws and legislation, including clarifying legislative hierarchies.
· Exploring
national and international approaches.
· Engaging
with internal teams and external stakeholders.
8 The
Corporate Policy team is supporting this work.
9 DCCs
Principal Policy Advisor (the Advisor) Housing now convenes the national
council group Te Kāuru, which collaborates with LGNZ and the Ministry of
Housing and Urban Development. Lessons from this work will inform the policy.
Create
Collaboration Opportunities.
Action 2 – lead engagement across NGOs,
Central Government, community housing providers and developers to overcome
barriers to building affordable homes.
10 Staff
regularly meet with developers to connect them with landowners keen to build
affordable or community/social housing.
11 Staff also
participate in numerous external housing-related groups, including the Otago
Housing Alliance.
Action 3
- Look for funding and collaboration opportunities for increasing housing stock
in the city.
12 Staff
continue to engage with local and national developers to discuss housing
opportunities.
13 The
upcoming DCC Land Use Policy will outline how council-owned residential land
can support affordable, rental, and social housing development.
Progress
ways to improve the quality of our housing.
Action 4 - Co-ordinate the building incentives
investigations across council.
14 Internal
teams with existing or planned housing incentives have met to collate
offerings. Work is temporarily paused to align with the 9-Year Plan but remains
active.
Create
mechanisms to utilise Dunedin City Council owned land to increase housing
supply.
Action 5 – Design and implement mechanisms
to enable development of housing on Dunedin City Council land.
Action 6
– Explore partnerships options with and between external groups to build
affordable, accessible or social housing.
Action 7
– Create a communications plan to socialise land use options.
15 These
actions rely on adopting the DCC Land Use Policy to ensure equitable housing
outcomes aligned with the Ōtepoti Dunedin Housing Plan 2022: A Home for
Everyone.
Action 8
– Continue to advocate for investment in housing in Dunedin City Council.
16 The Advisor
has taken several advocacy opportunities, including presenting at the Aotearoa
Homeless Summit and the Affordable Housing Development and Investment Summit.
The Advisor highlighted the lack of Central Government investment and services
in Dunedin, including:
· Kāinga Ora
pausing developments (e.g., a 41-unit build on Carroll Street),
· Limited community
housing providers and constrained funding access for smaller ones,
· No Housing First
provider or outreach funding,
· Insufficient
services such as shelters, hygiene facilities, and laundry.
17 The
presentation prompted valuable conversations with summit participants.
Continue to
work towards our Functional Zero approach to homelessness.
Action 9 – Review data collected, analyse
and support advocation or advocate for services.
18 The
Outcomes Star has 16 frontline staff across 10 agencies actively
licenced. There is already data coming from the initial interactions but
the numbers at this point are still small which was anticipated.
19 The
Outcomes Star identifies, across the main factors that cause homelessness what
an individual is ‘stuck’ on. The graph attached identifies
the current data.
Action 10
– Expand provider/agency involvement.
Action 11
– Run further Dunedin training.
20 An Outcomes
Star training session was delivered in April, with participants from Budgeting
Dunedin, Dunedin Night Shelter, and DCC.
21 Te Whatu
Ora has chosen not to renew its licenses, citing limited value. However, it
remains engaged, shares internal data, and continues to participate in the
Community of Practitioners facilitated by council for frontline staff.
Action 12
– Create council-wide guidelines for interactions with our homeless
citizens and their belongings.
22 Staff are
progressing this initiative in collaboration with departments such as Parks,
Parking, Property, and Libraries. Once completed, the approach will be shared
across council and with the wider community, including those experiencing
homelessness
Action 13
– Complete emergency planning response to extreme weather events, natural
disasters and social emergencies for our homeless and vulnerable communities.
23 Council
staff consulted with Christchurch City Council and will now convene a working
group including Te Whatu Ora, FENZ, NZ Police, MSD, CDEM, and mana whenua.
24 The recent
fire at a temporary shelter highlights the urgent housing crisis. The latest
census indicates a 29.5% national increase in homelessness, with 267 Dunedin
residents now unsheltered.
25 The census
also reports 933 people in temporary housing, 792 in overcrowded conditions,
and 2,100 in uninhabitable homes (e.g., due to mould or disrepair).
26 This brings
the total number of Dunedin residents in urgent need of housing to 4,092.
27 These
figures do not include individuals in housing stress due to high rents or
mortgages.
28 Dunedin
households spend 24.3% of income on rent (Infometrics, 20/05/2025).
29 Mortgage
payments account for 44.1% of average income (Infometrics, 20/05/2025).
Action 14
– Facilitate a Homeless Hui.
30 This
workstream has not yet been started.
Continue the
update of the website and easy to read resources.
Action 15 – Finalise updated web-page and
increase links
31 The webpage
has been refreshed and will continue to be updated and expanded.
OPTIONS
32 There are
no options as this report is for noting.
NEXT STEPS
33 Staff will
continue work against the 15 actions of the Implementation Plan 2024 –
2026.
Signatories
|
Author:
|
Gill Brown - Principal Policy Advisor Housing
|
|
Authoriser:
|
Nicola Morand - Manahautū (General Manager Policy and
Partnerships)
|
Attachments
|
|
Title
|
Page
|
|
⇩a
|
Star Report
|
111
|
|
SUMMARY OF CONSIDERATIONS
|
|
Fit with purpose of Local Government
This decision promotes the social
well-being of communities in the present and for the future.
This decision promotes the economic
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
|
☐
|
☐
|
☐
|
The Ōtepoti Dunedin Housing Plan 2022 and the
Implementation Plan 2024 – 2026 contributes to an effective housing
eco-system for the city and contributes to the DCC’s strategic
framework.
|
|
Māori Impact Statement
Housing cuts across many aspects of
Māori wellbeing, such as whānau health, acquisition and use of te reo Māori, care of
whenua and the environment, the ability to provide sustenance and hospitality
for themselves and others, and many aspects of wellbeing that are unique to
Māori culture. There are a number of large multidisciplinary and multi-agency
research projects working alongside Māori communities to empower
Māori in the housing sector and developing the knowledge needed to
address severe housing deprivation, homelessness, social housing, affordable
rental options, ownership and papakainga development. The Policy and
Partnerships team is in touch with a number of these large research projects,
to develop relationships and exchange information to inform the development
of the Council’s Strategic priorities and commitment to Te Taki Haruru.c
|
|
Sustainability
Sustainability has been identified as a key issue through
ongoing consultation with the community and stakeholders. There is
alignment of goals between the Ōtepoti Dunedin Housing Plan and the Zero
Carbon Plan.
|
|
Zero carbon
This
update has no impact on greenhouse gas emissions.
|
|
LTP/Annual Plan / Financial Strategy /Infrastructure
Strategy
This work is in line with the Long Term Plan 2025-2034.
|
|
Financial considerations
Funding for the Principal Policy Advisor – Housing,
Eco-Designer and a small operational budget is included in the current Long
Term Plan 2025 - 2034.
|
|
Significance
This report is considered of low significance in terms of
the Councils Significance and Engagement Policy.
|
|
Engagement – external
External engagement with stakeholders across the city
continues.
|
|
Engagement - internal
Internal engagement across many DCC departments continues.
|
|
Risks: Legal / Health and Safety etc.
There are no identified risks.
|
|
Conflict of Interest
There are no known conflicts of interest.
|
|
Community Boards
There are no direct implications for Community Board
areas.
|
