Council
MINUTES
Minutes of an ordinary meeting of the Dunedin City Council held in the Council Chamber, Dunedin Public Art Gallery, the Octagon, Dunedin on Wednesday 13 May 2026, commencing at 9.00 am
PRESENT
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Deputy Mayor |
Cr Cherry Lucas
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Members |
Cr John Chambers |
Cr Christine Garey |
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Cr Doug Hall |
Cr Marie Laufiso |
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Cr Russell Lund |
Cr Mandy Mayhem |
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Cr Benedict Ong |
Cr Andrew Simms |
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Cr Mickey Treadwell |
Cr Lee Vandervis |
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Cr Steve Walker |
Cr Brent Weatherall |
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IN ATTENDANCE |
Scott MacLean (General Manager City Services), Carolyn Allan (Chief Financial Officer), David Ward (General Manager 3 Waters, Property and Urban Development), Nicola Morand (Manahautū - General Manager Community and Strategy), Paul Henderson (General Manager Corporate and Regulatory Services) and Mike Costelloe (General Manager, Arts, Culture and Economic Development) and Janet Fraser (Corporate Planner) |
Governance Support Officer Lynne Adamson
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Moved (Deputy Mayor Cherry Lucas/Cr Mandy Mayhem): That the Council:
Accepts the apology from Mayor Sophie Barker.
Motion carried (CNL/2026/090) |
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Moved (Cr Russell Lund/Cr Mandy Mayhem): That the Council:
Confirms the agenda without addition or alteration.
Motion carried (CNL/2026/091) |
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.
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Moved (Deputy Mayor Cherry Lucas/Cr Mandy Mayhem): That the Council:
a) Notes the Elected Members' Interest Register; and b) Confirms the proposed management plan for Elected Members' Interests. c) Notes the proposed management plan for the Executive Leadership Teams’ Interests. Motion carried (CNL/2026/092) |
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4 Hearings scheduled for the Annual Plan and late submissions |
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A report from provided the Council with a schedule of submitters wishing to present their views at the Annual Plan hearings to be and sought approval whether or not to accept late submissions received. |
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The Chief Financial Officer (Carolyn Allan) and Corporate Planner (Janet Fraser) spoke to the report and responded to questions.
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Moved (Deputy Mayor Cherry Lucas/Cr Steve Walker): That the Council:
a) Accepts the late submissions. Motion carried (CNL/2026/093) |
Cr Benedict Ong entered the meeting at 9.04 am.
SUBMISSIONS
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1293873 |
Paul Weir, Saddle Hill Community Board
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Mr Weir (Chairperson) spoke in support of the Saddle Hill Community Board submission and thanked Council for its ongoing support. He highlighted a number of projects, including the Youth Ambassador Award, and spoke positively about the recipients and their achievements to date. Mr Weir advised that a goal of the Board was to ensure that a shared pathway was provided from Green Island to Brighton. He spoke of the work undertaken in the past and advised that the next stage of the project was to complete the walkway from Waldronville to Westwood and Ocean View. He commented that he did not have current costs however three years ago the estimated cost for the walkway was $800,000. He commented on the need for further vegetation clearance and drainage works, and referred to flooding issues on Old Brighton Road, which had taken 18 months to resolve. Mr Weir also raised concerns about McMaster Road, and advised that approximately 500 vehicles per day travelled on the road and advocated for it to be tar sealed noting that this was a high priority for the Board. In addition, Mr Weir spoke of the issues with coastal erosion and spoke of the damage which had occurred on the Brighton – Taieri Mouth Road and requested a coastal erosion assessment be undertaken. In response to questions, Mr Weir advised that maintenance on Old Brighton Road was now carried out regularly, with drains cleared and vegetation cut back. |
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1294235
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Alasdair Morrison - Waikouaiti Coast Community Board
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Mr Morrison (Chairperson) spoke to the Waikouaiti Coast Community Board submission and reiterated the key points raised.
He emphasised the need for a new wastewater treatment plan, which had been required since the existing resource consents at Warrington were issued. Mr Morrison also highlighted concerns around the promotion of increased housing by Council and the implications for the coastline. He requested further details on the Coastal Strategy, including what actions were planned and what assistance the Board could provide.
Mr Morrison spoke of the need for the public toilet facilities to be upgraded at the Truby King Reserve.
Mr Morrison advocated for greater use of skilled local people to undertake projects in the area. He advised that using capable local contractors for small jobs could improve efficiency and reduce costs. He noted that this approach was not intended to take work away from others, but rather to ensure issues were addressed quickly and cost-effectively, drawing on local knowledge and expertise.
Mr Morrison responded to questions.
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1293853
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Terina Geddes (Chair) - Strath Taieri Community Board
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Ms Geddes (Chairperson) spoke to the Strath Taieri Community Board submission and expressed the Boards’ appreciation for the reroofing work at the Strath Taieri Community Centre.
Ms Geddes advised that the Board supported the general rate differential for 3 Waters utilities. However, she commented that the size of the revaluation raised broader concerns about the consistency and accuracy of asset valuations across the district. She explained that for Middlemarch, the concerns were heightened by the condition of their local water and wastewater infrastructure which was outdated. Ms Geddes provided an example citing the 2018 flooding event where stormwater overwhelmed the wastewater network and caused sewage to overflow onto the road and requested that Council provide essential infrastructure and timely maintenance for the district.
Ms Geddes acknowledged the value Forsyth Bar Stadium and the Dunedin Centre bought to the city but advised that the Board did not support more funding for Dunedin Stadium Property Ltd when maintenance across the community did not occur.
Ms Geddes spoke of the issues with the Middlemarch Railway Station which she believed became a Dunedin City Council asset in 1992. She commented how they would like to see it in use again as the building was currently unusable, with the floor having a bow in it and windows that leaked.
Ms Geddes responded to questions.
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1294056 |
Jarrod Hodson - West Harbour Community Board |
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Mr Hodson (Chairperson) reiterated the key points in the West Harbour Community Board submission. He commented that many West Harbour footpaths were substandard and very unsafe in winter, particularly around Ravensbourne and Maia. Mr Hodson advised that the slump at Wanaka Street in Ravensbourne presented a significant safety hazard and needed to be fixed.
Mr Hodson explained that many West Harbour communities were vulnerable to extreme weather. The Board would like more effort to be put into local mitigation and emergency response to protect vulnerable slip prone and low lying communities with better preparation for more frequent severe weather events.
Mr Hodson spoke in support of the eradication of sycamores in the West Harbour area. He requested an extension of hours for the Port Chalmers Pool with it finishing in April. He requested traffic calming safety improvements on the Peninsula Beach Road such as judder bars for the safety of pedestrians and dog walkers. Mr Hodson spoke of the retention of the local dams which were well used recreational sites; concerns over litter and requested more bins with increased maintenance and emptying and tour bus parking safety.
Mr Hodson responded to questions.
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1293847 |
Rebecca Shepherd - Mosgiel-Taieri Community Board |
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Ms Shepherd (Chairperson) and Mr Steve Wilson (Member) spoke to their PowerPoint presentation on behalf of the Mosgiel Taieri Community Board. They advised that the Board supported efforts to minimise overall rates increases; they urged Council not to lose focus on a Destination Playground and Mosgiel Stadium upgrade.
Ms Shepherd and Mr Wilson spoke of the traffic issues in Mosgiel which was an urgent issue, caused grave concern for the community and needed to be addressed. They commented on the growth of Mosgiel and the impact this had on traffic.
Ms Shepherd requested that the proposed Mosgiel Park and Ride facility proceed without further delay. They commented on the inland port and the request for the Council to advocate for the Mosgiel community.
Ms Shepherd and Mr Wilson responded to questions.
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1293765 |
Paul Pope and Hoani Langsbury - Otago Peninsula Community Board |
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Mr Paul Pope (Chairperson) and Mr Hoani Langsbury (Deputy Chairperson) spoke to the Otago Peninsula Community Board submission.
They requested the completion of section one of the Te Awa Ōtākou/Peninsula Connection project. They explained that there were three sections yet to be completed with the focus of their submission being Section One – Ōtākou Bus Stop (Ellison’s Corner) around the Fisheries corner. Messrs Pope and Langsbury provided a summary of the history of the project and noted that during the consenting process mana whenua agreed to extensive reclamation of the harbour which was necessary for the project to proceed. While the three remaining sections at the Ōtākou end of the Peninsula were due to be completed first, back in 2015 there was a need for Council to change the sequence, these three sections became last in the order. They advised that there had been no resolution from Council to alter the work and it should proceed.
Messrs Pope and Langsbury explained that the number of visitors to the area exceeded 300,000 per annum which generated over $220 million to the local economy, the international exposure as a global tourism attraction was reliant on that piece of infrastructure which was also essential for safety purposes.
Messrs Pope and Langsbury responded to questions.
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1293759 |
Hoani Langsbury |
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Mr Langsbury spoke to his presentation which emphasised issues with buses on blind corners on the peninsula road, crossing the centre line and posing a danger to oncoming traffic. He commented that this was separate to the Te Awa Ōtākou/Peninsula Connection project and requested that work be undertaken to ease this safety issue as the road was widely used especially during the tourism season.
Mr Langsbury responded to questions. |
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Moved (Deputy Mayor Cherry Lucas/Cr Mandy Mayhem):
That the Council:
Adjourns the meeting until 11.00 am.
Motion carried
The meeting adjourned at 10.24 am and Cr Benedict Ong left the meeting. The meeting reconvened at 11.00 am.
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1293962 |
Phil Dowsett - Otago Settlers Association |
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Mr Dowsett spoke to the submission from the Otago Settlers Association and in particular the need for an Archivist at Toitu Otago Settlers Museum. He commented that the role had been vacant for the last two and a half years which had resulted in essential work being suspended.
He requested that an Archivist be appointed followed by the appointment of an Assistant Archivist to enable the full programme of outstanding work be scheduled.
Mr Dowsett responded to questions. |
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Cr Benedict Ong returned to the meeting at 11.12 am.
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1293966 |
Lynne Newell - South Dunedin Stormwater Justice Group |
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Ms Newell and Mr Julian Doorey spoke to their handout on behalf of the South Dunedin Stormwater Justice Group. They spoke of the flooding events in 2015 and 2024 , the anguish it caused residents and outlined the issues and frustration of the community waiting for infrastructure work to be undertaken.
They urged Council to start urgent flood prevention works beginning with pipes and pumps to make South Dunedin flood-free and to stop the sewage overflows in Surrey Street.
Ms Newell and Mr Doorey responded to questions.
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1293883 |
Melanie McNatty (Co-Chair) and Lee-Anne Michelle (Community Development Worker) on behalf of Ben McKenzie Greater Green Island Community Network |
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Ms McNatty and Ms Michelle spoke to the submission from the Greater Green Island Community Network. They sought continued investment from Council and outlined achievements for the community due to their support over the past year.
They advocated for public toilets to be built at the Green Island playground and spoke of the safety issues at the Burnside underpass. Ms McNatty and Ms Michelle also commented that Greater Green Island Community Network would like to be involved and support and help Council work out outcomes for local community groups.
Ms McNatty and Ms Michelle responded to questions. |
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1293835 |
Edward Ellison and Nadia Wesley-Smith on behalf of Paulette Tamati-Elliffe - Te Rūnanga o Ōtākou Inc |
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Mr Ellison and Ms Wesley-Smith spoke to key points in the submission from Te Rūnanga o Ōtākou Inc and in particular water and the three waters infrastructure. They spoke of the necessity to upgrade and improve infrastructure going forward and advised that manawhenua would like to be involved in the Council’s water strategy and working groups.
Mr Ellison and Ms Wesley-Smith reiterated the importance of the completion of section one of the Te Awa Ōtākou/Peninsula Connection project.
Mr Ellison responded to questions. |
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Cr Mickey Treadwell left the meeting at 11.45 am and returned at 11.47 am.
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1294363 |
Michael Eathorne-Gould, Dunedin Gymnastic Academy |
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Mr Michael Eathorne-Gould and Ms Marian Maxwell spoke to the Dunedin Gymnastic Academy submission. They commented that they had more than 3,000 attend either the gym or school holiday programmes annually and they needed a fit for purpose facility to support the children.
They commented that they had a location which they were unable to currently disclose and advised the costs involved which included building upgrades of up to $400k annually over three years. Mr Eathorne-Gould and Ms Maxwell requested the Council consider assisting the Dunedin Gymnastic Academy with an annual payment of $100k to cover the shortfall of funding for 10-15 years until the loa was paid off.
They responded to questions on buildings they had looked at and corporate partnerships. |
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1293915 |
Robyn Zink - Our Food Network |
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Ms Zink spoke to the Our Food Network submission and thanked Council for the funding provided over the past two years. She requested that Council considered the allocation of 5 – 10% of the horticulture budget to support local food production.
Ms Zink responded to questions. |
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Cr Doug Hall left the meeting at 11.59 am and returned at 12.05 pm.
Moved (Deputy Mayor Cherry Lucas/Cr Mandy Mayhem):
That the Council:
Adjourns the meeting for 5 minutes
Motion carried
The meeting adjourned at 12.07 pm and reconvened at 12.15 pm.
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1293980 |
Amy Souquet - Com2Tech |
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Ms Souquet and Ms Belinda Lehever spoke to their PowerPoint presentation on Investment in Community-Led Circular Economy Infrastructure. They commented on the current digital e-waste collections and distribution to community groups by Com2Tech and the subsidised internet it provided. They requested support from Council to find suitable premises.
Ms Souquet and Ms Lehever responded to questions. |
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Moved (Deputy Mayor Cherry Lucas/Cr Mickey Treadwell).
That the Council:
Adjourns the meeting until 1.20 pm.
Motion carried
The meeting adjourned at 12.27 pm and reconvened at 1.20 pm.
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1293909 |
John Marrable, Access for All Otago Facilitator |
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Mr Marrable supported the submissions from members requesting free pool entry for people with disabilities. He spoke of his journey, that he had become a paraplegic at the age of 10 and the importance swimming played in his rehabilitation. Mr Marrable commented that swimming was one of the few exercises someone with a disability could do, how it got muscles moving and strengthened, reduced pressure on the joints and bones. He commented on the benefits of social connect to all the community whether their disability was physical or mental and noted that approximately 25% of Dunedin’s population suffered from some sort of disability.
Mr Marrable responded to questions. |
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1293310 |
Emma Ferry via zoom audio visual link |
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Ms Ferry spoke in support of free pool entry for people with disabilities. She commented that she loved Te Puna o Whakaehu (Mosgiel Pool) and went twice a week with a carer providing support and her need for the pool would increase as her disability worsened.
Ms Ferry explained that she had been on holiday recently in Tauranga and had gone swimming. They had the initiative that all pools were free to those with a disability, she was extremely impressed and would like Dunedin to provide the same support. Ms Ferry commented that she was no longer able to work full time and had to give up her primary school teaching career, this has resulted in it being hard to meet the cost of living. Due to her reduction in income, she had significantly reduced her visits to the pool. She commented that the pool was a safe place for those with disabilities with long term gain, working on strength and muscle movement and for her personally, it had improved her fitness and she felt a lot healthier. She hoped one of the long term benefits would reduce time spent in hospital.
In closing, Ms Ferry advised that she had seen first hand the benefits of intellectually disabled children using the pool. She said that in day to day life, she used a walking frame in life but in the water she felt free.
Ms Ferry responded to questions. |
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1293975 |
Robyn Vintiner |
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Ms Vintiner to her submission on water issues and the proposed rates increase and responded to questions. |
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1293887 |
Nigel Billings on behalf of Eleanor Linscott, Federated Farmers Otago Incorporated |
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Mr Billings spoke to the submission from Federated Farmers Otago Incorporated on the impact of the 3 waters costs. He commented that they would prefer the Council increase the targeted rates instead of general rates, especially for ratepayers in urban areas. Mr Billings requested Council ensure the rate increase for farmland did not exceed that of the urban residential rate increase when doing a like for like comparison.
Mr Billings responded to questions.
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Moved (Deputy Mayor Cherry Lucas/Cr Mandy Mayhem):
That the Council:
Adjourns the meeting until 2.10 pm.
Motion carried
The meeting adjourned at 1.59 pm and reconvened at 2.09 pm.
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1293869 |
Nicole Devereux, Presbyterian Support Otago Incorporated |
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Ms Devereux, General Manager of Family Works – Presbyterian Support Otago spoke of the long standing close working relationship they enjoyed with Council. She commented on the hardship the majority of their clients were facing with costs including the proposed rates increase, acknowledged the work undertaken to keep rates increases as low as possible and requested the increase be kept as low as possible.
Ms Devereux responded to questions. |
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1293844 |
Dr Ohad Dar and Julie Pearse (MNZM) Residents of McMaster Road Working Group |
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Dr Dar and Ms Pearse spoke to their PowerPoint presentation on behalf of the residents of the McMaster Road Working Group about the state of McMaster Road. They commented that they believed the Ottoseal trial had been a failure and it was inappropriate material and advocated for the sealing of McMaster Road.
Dr Dar and Ms Pearse commented that the speed limit was also a concern for the residents as it was a 100km whereas the residents travelled the road at 40-60km which was a more appropriate speed. The dust obscured pedestrians and cyclists and put them at risk. They commented that they had held discussions with the Saddle Hill Community Board and the DCC transport department and whilst they had had regular meetings, they felt this needed to be presented to Council for consideration.
Dr Dar and Ms Pearse responded to questions and commented that a speed reduction to 60km would help and noted that the sealed roads in the area had a speed limit of 80km with McMaster Road being the only one with a 100km speed limit.
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1293993 |
James Nation, Sport Otago |
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Mr Nation spoke to the Sport Otago submission and commented that investment was needed in roading and infrastructure projects that supported the activation of people. He commented on playground upgrades and noted that play was a crucial component of children’s physical activity development. Mr Nation that there were playgrounds that wouldn’t need a lot of money to be upgraded but would greatly benefit from the work.
Mr Nation spoke on fees and charges across sports grounds and advised that whilst they were necessary, he requested that any fee increases be as minimal as possible and requested that early consultation be undertake for any proposal for grounds increases or fees.
Mr Nation responded to questions and commented that he supported the Town Belt trial, there needed a balance of letting car movement go and keeping people safe. |
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1293640 |
Judy Martin, OneCoast Incorporated |
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Ms Martin spoke to the submission from One Coast Incorporated and commented that it was a Resource Recovery Centre. She commented that waste levy funds must be used to promote waste minimisation practices and requested that a small proportion of the money be provided to the Waikouaiti community to fund a weatherproof building on the DCC owned platform that OneCoast operated from. She said that it would reduce waste and transport costs as each round trip to the skip was 100km.
Ms Martin responded to questions. |
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1293658 |
Brent Irving, Dunedin Tunnels Trail Trust (DTTT) Chairperson |
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Mr Irving (Chairperson) spoke to the Dunedin Tunnels Trail Trust submission. He advised that stage one of the tunnel was now open with approximately 350 users per day. Mr Irving spoke of the popularity of trails and that stages 2 and 3 were now well advanced and that they had secured $2 million from MBIE.
Mr Irving did not seek funding from Council but rather support and formal recognition of the Dunedin Tunnels Trail as a strategic, city-shaping transport and recreation corridor.
Mr Irving responded to questions. |
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Moved (Deputy Mayor Cherry Lucas/Cr Mandy Mayhem):
That the Council:
Extends the meeting beyond 6 hours.
Motion carried
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1293305 |
Paul Coffey, Dunedin Tracks Network Trust |
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Mr Coffey and Ms Jo Cushen spoke to their PowerPoint presentation in support of the Dunedin Tracks Network Trust submission and the desire to extend the trail to ultimately link Oamaru to Waihola.
They thanked Council for the $50,000 funding provided and requested this continue to advance trail planning, technical assessments, consent processes, and landowner agreements. Mr Coffey commented that they strongly supported prioritising the Tunnels Trail and reopening of the Caversham Tunnel to improve connectivity, resilience, and economic opportunities. The Trust also continued progressing the Clutha Gold Trail extension and advocated for sustained investment in parks, tracks, and trails to support community wellbeing and regional growth. |
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Moved (Deputy Mayor Cherry Lucas/Cr Mandy Mayhem):
That the Council:
Adjourns the meeting until 3.30 pm.
Motion carried
The meeting adjourned at 3.15 pm and Cr Lee Vandervis left the meeting. The meeting reconvened at 3.30 pm.
Deputy Mayor Cherry Lucas noted an apology for early departure from Cr Lee Vandervis. |
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1293195 |
Robyn West on behalf of Nathan Kershaw, Spokes Dunedin |
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1293911 |
Robyn West |
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Ms West spoke on behalf of Nathan Kershaw, Spokes Dunedin and to her private submission in support or the Dunedin Tunnels Trails Trust and reopening the Caversham tunnel.
Ms West commented that Spokes and herself supported cyclists and a safer more connected infrastructure. She noted that the issues with the Caversham Tunnel were the utility pipes especially wastewater which needed to be made safe and ensure the reopening of the Caversham Tunnel.
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Cr Doug Hall returned to the meeting at 3.36 pm.
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Ms West responded to questions.
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1293833 |
Dr Ian Griffin, Tūhura Otago Museum and Dr Gerard O’Regan |
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Drs Griffin and O’Regan spoke to their PowerPoint presentation in support of the submission from Tūhura Otago Museum.
They commented that they would seek, as part of the next Long Term Plan process, Council support for two major capital projects. These projects were the redevelopment of the Tangata Whenua Gallery which would be developed in partnership with manawhenua and would ensure that the cultural narratives at the heart of Otago were represented with authenticity, depth and contemporary relevance. The other project was the restoration of the Ross Building which was one of Dunedin’s significant heritage interiors.
Drs Griffin and O’Regan responded to questions. |
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Cr Russell Lund left the meeting at 3.50 pm and returned at 3.53 pm. |
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1292013 |
Hamish Barrell |
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Mr Barrell spoke to his submission and provided handouts on the benefit of having a 200L Rain Water Tank. He commented that the tank offered a practical solution and would provide residents with as reliable emergency water supply during critical situations.
Mr Barrell responded to questions. |
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1294061 |
Tom Riley, ARANZ Archives and Records Association of NZ |
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Tom Riley (Branch Chair); Stuart Strachan and Mr Miller spoke to the Archives and Records Association of NZ submission requesting the reinstatement of an archivist at Toitū Otago Settlers Museum (TOSM).
They advised that since 2023, the role of the TOSM Archivist had been vacant which resulted in severely restricted access to the archives. The TOSM archive contained an invaluable collection of social history material relating to the history of Dunedin and Otago which were very significant for the lives of people living in New Zealand and Dunedin in particular.
Messrs Riley, Strachan and Miller responded to questions. |
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1293457 |
Samantha Lay Yee via zoom and Bruce Goodger - Property Council New Zealand |
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Ms Lay Yee and Mr Goodger spoke to the submission from the Property Council New Zealand submission. They commented on their main concerns which were rate increases, rating differentials, fees and charges and Forsyth Barr Stadium Funding. In particular they wanted the differential rates for commercial properties removed entirely and spoke of a proposal for a new Three Waters utilities differential.
Ms Lay Yee and Mr Goodger responded to questions. |
The meeting closed at 4.20 pm.
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DEPUTY MAYOR