Agenda of Economic Development Committee

Notice of Meeting:

I hereby give notice that an ordinary meeting of the Economic Development Committee will be held on:

Date: Wednesday 18 June 2025

Time: 10.00 am

Venue: Council Chamber, Dunedin Public Art Gallery, The Octagon, Dunedin

Sandy Graham

Chief Executive Officer

Economic Development Committee

PUBLIC AGENDA

MEMBERSHIP

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

Senior Officer Nicola Morand, Manahautū (General Manager Māori Partnerships and Policy)

Governance Support Officer Jennifer Lapham

Jennifer Lapham

Governance Support Officer

Telephone: 03 477 4000

governance.support@dcc.govt.nz

www.dunedin.govt.nz

Note: Reports and recommendations contained in this agenda are not to be considered as Council policy until adopted.

Economic Development Committee

18 June 2025

Economic Development Committee

MINUTES

Minutes of an ordinary meeting of the Economic Development Committee held in the Council Chamber, Dunedin Public Art Gallery, The Octagon, Dunedin on Wednesday 12 March 2025, commencing at 10.00 am.

PRESENT

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

IN ATTENDANCE

Robert West (General Manager Corporate Services), Nicola Morand (Manahautū, General Manager Policy & Partnerships); Sian Sutton (Dunedin Destination Manager); Fraser Liggett (Economic Development Manager); Anthony Deaker (Economic Development Team Leader); Hayden Parsons (Digital Content Co-ordinator Enterprise Dunedin); Suzanne Jenkins (Finance and Operations Manager); James Perry (Managing Director, Shotover Creative); Jason McKay Williams (Head of Digital & Marketing, Shotover Creative)

Governance Support Officer Lauren Riddle

1 Public Forum

1.1 Stephanie Ashton - International Studies

Stephanie Ashton, Deputy Principal, Queens High School spoke to a presentation on International Studies and Project China. She spoke on the importance and value of the Shanghai and Dunedin’s Sister City relationship for international students whether short or long term stay in Dunedin, and that Dunedin needed to be competitive with other cities in New Zealand to attract international students.

Ms Ashton responded to questions.

1.2 Scott Hou- International Studies

Scott Hou, advised that his company, Jiacheng Consulting Company was a Dunedin based firm specialising in education services and tourism, including supporting short and long term international students to Dunedin.

Mr Hou spoke to a video presentation detailing the close partnership with Dunedin schools (and with the support of the Dunedin City Council). He advised the importance of the support of the DCC supported the Chinese Government’s confidence to allow student to come to Dunedin to study.

Moved (Cr Andrew Whiley/Cr Cherry Lucas):

That the Committee:

Extend Public Forum beyond 30 minutes.

Motion carried.

Mr Hou responded to questions from the Elected Members.

Stephanie Ashton introduced Liz Gold the Director of International Studies at Bayfield High School spoke.

Mrs Gold spoke of the school environment and connection with local students and the importance of these relationships and that focus of all host schools was to work together to provide the best opportunities for the visiting students.

1.3 Liz Gold Director of International Studies at Bayfield High School

Liz Gold spoke of the school environment and connection with local students and the importance of these relationships and that focus of all host schools was to work together to provide the best opportunities for the visiting students. She confirmed it was difficult to currently find enough host families that were part of the school community.

2 Apologies

Apologies were received from Cr Marie Laufiso and Cr Mandy Mayhem.

Moved (Cr Andrew Whiley/Cr Cherry Lucas):

That the Committee:

Accepts the apologies from Cr Marie Laufiso and Cr Mandy Mayhem for absence.

Motion carried

3 Confirmation of agenda

Moved (Cr Andrew Whiley/Cr Christine Garey):

That the Committee:

Confirms the agenda without addition or alteration

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.

There were no updates advised.

Moved (Cr Andrew Whiley/Cr Christine Garey):

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 Economic Development Committee meeting - 6 December 2024

Moved (Cr Andrew Whiley/Cr Christine Garey):

That the Committee:

a) Confirms the minutes of the Economic Development Committee meeting held on 06 December 2024 as a correct record.

Motion carried (ED/2025/001)

Part A Reports

6 Economic Development Committee Forward Work Programme

The Economic Development Committee forward work programme report provided an update on areas of activity, progress and expected timeframes for decision making across a range of areas of work.

Nicola Morand (Manahautū – General Manager Policy and Partnerships) and Fraser Liggett (Economic Development Manager) spoke to report responded to questions.

Moved (Cr Andrew Whiley/Cr Christine Garey):

That the Committee:

a) Notes the Economic Development Committee forward work programme

Motion carried (ED/2025/002)

7 Enterprise Dunedin Activity And Tracking Report - March 2025

Sian Sutton (Dunedin Destination Manager), Fraser Liggett (Economic Development Programme Manager), Anthony Deaker (Economic Development Team Leader) and Suzanne Jenkins (Finance and Operations Manager) spoke to the Enterprise Dunedin Activity and Tracking Report – March 2025 Update report and responded to questions.

Cr Garey assumed the Chair in the absence for Cr Whiley.

Cr Andrew Whiley left the meeting at 12:11 p.m. and returned to the meeting at 12:13 p.m.

Cr Whiley resumed the Chair.

Moved (Cr Andrew Whiley/Cr Christine Garey):

That the Committee:

a) Notes the Enterprise Dunedin Activity and Tracking Report – March 2025.

Motion carried (ED/2025/003)

8 Project China Update

The Enterprise Dunedin report provided an update on Project China activity in 2024. The report highlighted outcomes in education, civic, tourism, business, and screen sector cooperation.

Fraser Liggett (Economic Development Programme Manager), Anthony Deaker (Economic Development Team Leader) and Hui Zhang (Project China Co-ordinator) responded to questions of the report.

Cr Kevin Gilbert left the meeting at 12:37 p.m. and returned at 12:40 p.m.

Cr Sophie Barker left the meeting at 12:38 p.m. and returned to the meeting at 12:43 p.m.

Moved (Cr Andrew Whiley/Cr Christine Garey):

That the Committee:

a) Notes the Project China Update report.

Motion carried (ED/2025/004)

9 It's Just Dunedin Campaign Report
	The Enterprise Dunedin report provided an update regarding campaign performance to date for the “It’s Just Dunedin” Campaign, which was developed in 2022 and launched on 12 December 2023, predominantly to the domestic New Zealand market. The report sought the Committee’s consideration as to whether to retain the “It’s Just” tagline developed for phase 1 of the domestic campaign or proceed with the logo only for phase 2 of the campaign. Sian Sutton (Dunedin Destination Manager) introduced Shotover Creative’s Managing Director, James Perry and Head of Digital & Marketing, Jason McKay who spoke to a marketing presentation of the “It’s Just Dunedin” campaign to the meeting. Sian Sutton (Dunedin Destination Manager), Hayden Parsons (Digital Content Co-ordinator – Enterprise Dunedin) and the Shotover Creative’s representatives spoke to the report and responded to questions. Cr Bill Acklin left the meeting at 12:58 p.m.
	Moved (Cr Andrew Whiley/Cr Brent Weatherall): That the Committee: Adjourn the meeting adjourn for five minutes. Carried The meeting adjourned at 12:59 p.m. for the opening and adjournment of the Finance and Council Controlled Organisations Committee meeting. The meeting resumed at 1:01 p.m. with continued questions on the report. Cr Bill Acklin returned to the meeting at 01:06 p.m.
	Moved (Cr Andrew Whiley/Cr Steve Walker): That the Committee: Adjourn the meeting until 2:05p.m. Motion carried

	The meeting adjourned at 1:35 p.m. and resumed at 2:05 p.m. with apologies from Cr Bill Acklin and Cr Kevin Gilbert. The meeting resumed in debate.
	Moved (Cr Andrew Whiley/Cr Brent Weatherall): That the Committee: a) Notes the “It’s Just Dunedin” Campaign Report and the next phase of the campaign including creative assets. b) Agrees to remove the “It’s Just” tagline c) Agrees to phase 2 of the campaign to proceed with the Dunedin logo only. Motion carried (ED/2025/005)

10 Items for Consideration by the Chair

There were no item for consideration by the Chair.

The meeting concluded at 2:30 p.m.

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

CHAIRPERSON

Economic Development Committee

18 June 2025

Centre of Digital Excellence (CODE) Update

Department: Enterprise Dunedin

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

1 The attached report has been prepared by the New Zealand Centre of Digital Excellence Limited (CODE Ltd). The report provides an update on CODE Ltd activities between August 2024 and May 2025.

2 This is the third report by CODE Ltd to the Economic Development Committee (EDC). Dunedin City Council retains a 49% shareholding in the company and CODE Ltd activities contribute significantly to the Dunedin 2013-23 Economic Development Strategy.

3 During the 9-year Long term Plan (LTP) deliberations in May 2025, Council considered the funding request from CODE Ltd.

4 At this meeting it was decided that Council “Approves funding of $150,000 each year for seven years, commencing from 2026/27 to 2032/33, for the New Zealand Centre of Digital Excellence.” Moved Mayor Jules Radich/Cr Andrew Whiley.

5 This investment supports momentum for Dunedin’s game development ecosystem, generated by PGF’s $10M investment, and reinforces the city’s position as an internationally competitive knowledge centre, building on Dunedin’s top growth sector (professional, scientific and tech) and enabling the city to further develop its reputation nationally and internationally as hub for skills and talent.

6 Tim Ponting (Chief Executive of CODE Ltd) will attend EDC to speak to the report.

RECOMMENDATIONS

That the Committee:

a) Notes the New Zealand Centre of Digital Excellence (CODE Ltd) update for activities between August 2024 and May 2025 report.

NEXT STEPS

7 Enterprise Dunedin will continue to work with and regularly meet with CODE Ltd over the next financial year.

Signatories

Author:

Chanel O'Brien - Business Development Advisor Skills and Entrepreneurship

Suzanne Jenkins - Finance and Operations Manager

Authoriser:

Mike Costelloe - Manager Enterprise Dunedin

Nicola Morand - Manahautū (General Manager Policy and Partnerships)

Attachments

	Title	Page
⇩a	New Zealand Centre of Excellence (CODE) EDC Report Jul 2024 - May 2025	31

SUMMARY OF CONSIDERATIONS

Fit with purpose of Local Government

This decision promotes the economic 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	☐	☐	✔

CODE Ltd continues to contribute to the Dunedin Economic Development Strategy by providing the necessary environment required to start, grow, and scale game development studios, creating employment and attracting investment to the city. This activity aligns to multiple themes in the Dunedin Economic Development Strategy including Alliances for Innovation and A Hub for Skills and Talent.

Māori Impact Statement

CODE Ltd has supported pathways into the game development industry and has enabled Māori led games development and studios. The industry average of Māori and Pasifika leading and/or employed in studios in Dunedin is approximately 10% (the industry average is approximately 3%).

Sustainability

The attached report notes CODE Ltd activities in relation to economic, social, and environmental sustainability.

Zero carbon

There are no implications impacting city wide emissions or DCC’s Zero Carbon Policy as game development is a low carbon export.

LTP/Annual Plan / Financial Strategy /Infrastructure Strategy

There are no implications.

Financial considerations

It was decided during the 9-year Long term Plan (LTP) deliberations in May that Council “Approves funding of $150,000 each year for seven years, commencing from 2026/27 to 2032/33, for the New Zealand Centre of Digital Excellence.” Moved Mayor Jules Radich/Cr Andrew Whiley. A Service Level Agreement (SLA) will be prepared for CODE Ltd.

Significance

This report is for noting only.

Engagement – external

The attached report has been prepared by CODE Ltd. There has been no other external engagement.

Engagement - internal

There has been no internal engagement.

Risks: Legal / Health and Safety etc.

There are no identified risks.

Conflict of Interest

There is no conflict of interest.

Community Boards

There are no implications for Community Boards.

Economic Development Committee

18 June 2025

Startup Dunedin - Annual Update for 2024/2025

Department: Enterprise Dunedin

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

1 The purpose of this report is to update the Economic Development Committee (EDC) on the annual activities undertaken by Startup Dunedin (SUD) for the period July 2024-June 2025.

2 During the 9-year Long Term Plan (LTP) deliberations in May 2025, the Council considered a request for funding from SUD.

3 At this meeting it was decided that the Council “Approves funding an additional $100,000 per annum for Startup Dunedin to expand Dunedin’s startup ecosystem”. Moved Cr Andrew Whiley/Mayor Jules Radich.

4 This funding will provide certainty for the team at SUD for the foreseeable future. It builds on SUD’s reputation as a national leader in startup ecosystem development.

5 The Chair, General Manager, and Dunedin City Council (DCC) representative of SUD will attend the EDC meeting to speak to their attached report.

RECOMMENDATIONS

That the Committee:

a) Notes the Startup Dunedin Annual Update for 2024/2025 report.

BACKGROUND

6 Development of the startup ecosystem is a key priority for Enterprise Dunedin.

7 SUD is chaired by Wade Pearson, Independent and the board includes:

a) David Thomson, University of Otago/Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka.

b) Scott Mason, Independent.

c) Amie Taua, Independent.

d) Janine Kapa, Independent.

e) Jamie Reidie, Dunedin City Council representative.

f) Mark Cartwright, Otago Polytechnic/Te Pūkenga.

8 As part of the 9-year plan (2025 – 2034) Council agreed $100,000 to further support SUD to meet entrepreneurial demand and growth.

9 The funding enables SUD to meet community demand to further build on Dunedin’s top growth sector (professional, scientific and tech). Founders, startups, and entrepreneurs will have confidence in pursuing growth opportunities from Dunedin and assurance to choose Dunedin as an attractive city to do business, further developing its reputation, nationally and internationally, as hub for skills and talent.

10 Dunedin was recognised as New Zealand’s most entrepreneurial region, acknowledged in 2024 through SUD winning the “regional trailblazer award” at the Global Entrepreneurship Network New Zealand ecosystem awards. This funding will support the city’s competitive advantage to attract, retain and grow startup businesses, founders, entrepreneurs, and enterprises.

DISCUSSION

11 The purpose of this report is to update the Economic Development Committee (EDC) on the annual activities undertaken by SUD for the period July 2024-June 2025.

12 Dunedin’s startup ecosystem has continued to thrive over the last 12 month. There has been significant alignment between SUD and Enterprise Dunedin activities which include collaboration around JobDUN (Dunedin’s Business Internship Programme), Techweek25, the Hapori Māori Fund and Pāsifika Development Fund, and microgrants which illustrates connectivity within the ecosystem.

13 Experienced entrepreneurs have continued to engage with SUD because of its community led programme of activities, relevance, and access to a mature and inclusive business and community network.

14 Council has supported SUD activities for several years. In 2021, Council agreed to a three-year Service Level Agreement (SLA) with SUD until June 2024.

15 The attached SUD report provides detail on the annual activities undertaken by SUD for the period July 2024 - June 2025.

OPTIONS

16 As this is a noting report only, there are no options for consideration.

NEXT STEPS

17 Enterprise Dunedin will continue to work with and regularly meet with SUD over the next financial year. A new three-year SLA will be prepared to support the activities of SUD for the period July 2025 - June 2028.

Signatories

Author:

Chanel O'Brien - Business Development Advisor Skills and Entrepreneurship

Authoriser:

Mike Costelloe - Manager Enterprise Dunedin

Nicola Morand - Manahautū (General Manager Policy and Partnerships)

Attachments

	Title	Page
⇩a	Startup Dunedin Update Report 2024/25	46

SUMMARY OF CONSIDERATIONS

Fit with purpose of Local Government

This decision promotes the economic 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	☐	☐	✔

SUD contributes to the Dunedin Economic Development Strategy by improving the ease of doing business and growing the value of exports, improving the linkages between industry and research, and increasing the retention of graduates.

Māori Impact Statement

The attached report notes SUD activities with Māori. The programme provides opportunities that contribute to the success of Māori and the aspirations of Te Taki Haruru.

Sustainability

The attached report notes SUD activities in relation to economic, social, and environmental sustainability.

LTP/Annual Plan / Financial Strategy /Infrastructure Strategy

There are no implications.

Financial considerations

A three-year SLA will be prepared with SUD.

Significance

This report is for noting only.

Engagement – external

The attached report has been prepared by SUD. There has been no other external engagement.

Engagement - internal

There has been no internal engagement.

Risks: Legal / Health and Safety etc.

There are no identified risks.

Conflict of Interest

There is no conflict of interest.

Community Boards

There are no implications for Community Boards.

Economic Development Committee

18 June 2025

Dunedin City Regional Economic Profile to March 2024

Department: Enterprise Dunedin

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

1 This report provides information on the Dunedin City 2024 Regional Economic Profile.

2 The report has been produced by Infometrics Limited. Brad Olsen, Chief Executive and Principal Economist will provide an update and respond to questions.

RECOMMENDATIONS

That the Committee:

a) Notes the Dunedin City 2024 Regional Economic Profile report (Attachment A).

BACKGROUND

3 The 2013-23 Economic Development Strategy (EDS) informs Enterprise Dunedin’s work programme. The EDS is underpinned by five themes:

· Business Vitality – to improve the ease of doing business.

· Alliances for innovation – to improve linkages between industry and research.

· A hub for skills and talent – to increase retention of graduates, build the skills base and grow migrant numbers.

· Linkages beyond our borders – to increase international investment and establish projects with other cities.

· A compelling destination – to increase the value of tourism and events and improve the understanding of Dunedin’s advantages.

4 The EDS sets out two overarching economic goals:

a) 10,000 extra jobs over 10 years

b) An average $10,000 extra income for each person.

DISCUSSION

5 The Regional Economic Profile provides an in-depth annual analysis of Dunedin’s economy and performance to the year ending 31 March 2024. Wages and self-employment data collected by Inland Revenue is not available until after March each year, resulting in a time-lag in the data-series used to report on economic performance.

6 Gross Domestic Product (GDP)

a) GDP in Dunedin City measured $8,501.9m in the year to March 2024, up 0.9% from a year earlier. Growth was lower than in New Zealand (1.4%).

b) Economic growth in Dunedin City averaged 2.5%pa over the 10 years to 2024 compared with an average of 3.0%pa in New Zealand.

c) Growth in Dunedin City reached a high of 5.3% in 2003 and a low of -1.6% in 2009.

d) Dunedin City accounted for 2.0% of national GDP in 2024.

7 GDP per capita

a) GDP per capita in Dunedin City was $64,506 in 2024, which was lower than the New Zealand average of $79,210.

b) GDP per capita growth in Dunedin City was 0.5% for the year to March 2024. Growth was greater than in New Zealand (-0.3%). per Capita

8 Employment Growth

a) Employment in Dunedin City measured 68,162 in the year to March 2024, up 1.7% from a year earlier. Employment growth was lower than in New Zealand (2.2%).

b) Employment growth in Dunedin City averaged 1.4%pa over the 10 years to 2024 compared with average employment growth of 2.3%pa in New Zealand.

c) Employment growth in Dunedin City reached a high of 3.9% in 2002 and a low of -2.5% in 2010.

d) Dunedin City accounted for 2.4% of national employment in 2024.

OPTIONS

9 As this is an update report, there are no options.

NEXT STEPS

10 The Committee will be updated on the 2025 Regional Economic Profile in 2026.

Signatories

Author:

Suzanne Jenkins - Finance and Operations Manager

Des Adamson - Business Relationship Manager

Authoriser:

Mike Costelloe - Manager Enterprise Dunedin

Attachments

	Title	Page
⇩a	Dunedin City 2024 Regional Economic Profile	65

SUMMARY OF CONSIDERATIONS

Fit with purpose of Local Government

This decision promotes the economic 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	☐	☐	✔

Enterprise Dunedin is responsible for the delivery of the 2013-2023 Economic Development Strategy. The attached report provides information and insights on the Dunedin economy.

Māori Impact Statement

The attached report includes a section on Maori employment.

Sustainability

The report includes a range of matters and indicators related to economic and social sustainability.

Zero carbon

There are no options identified for zero carbon in the attached report.

LTP/Annual Plan / Financial Strategy /Infrastructure Strategy

There are no implications.

Financial considerations

There are no financial implications.

Significance

The report if for noting and is considered low in terms of the Council’s Significance and Engagement Policy.

Engagement – external

Infometrics Limited are contracted to provide economic data and reporting for Dunedin.

Engagement - internal

There has been no internal engagement. DCC staff have access to Infometrics Portal to use the report and related economic and social data as relevant.

Risks: Legal / Health and Safety etc.

There are no identified risks.

Conflict of Interest

There are no conflicts of interest.

Community Boards

There are no implications for Community Boards.

	Title	Page
⇩a	Enterprise Dunedin Activity and Tracking Report - June 2025	131
⇩b	Media Coverage Report March - June 2025	164

	Title	Page
A ⇩	Minutes of Economic Development Committee meeting held on 12 March 2025	16

Author:	Jennifer Lapham - Governance Support Officer
Authoriser:	Nicola Morand - Manahautū (General Manager Policy and Partnerships)