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 22 July 2026, commencing at 9.01 am
PRESENT
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Mayor |
Mayor Sophie Barker |
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Cr Cherry Lucas
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Members |
Cr John Chambers |
Cr Jo Galer |
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Cr Christine Garey via zoom audio visual link |
Cr Doug Hall |
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Cr Marie Laufiso via zoom audio visual link |
Cr Russell Lund |
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Cr Mandy Mayhem |
Cr Benedict Ong |
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Cr Andrew Simms |
Cr Mickey Treadwell |
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Cr Lee Vandervis |
Cr Steve Walker via zoom audio visual link |
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Cr Brent Weatherall |
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IN ATTENDANCE |
Sandy Graham (Chief Executive), Carolyn Allan (Chief Financial Officer), Jeanine Benson (Acting General Manager City Services), 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), Mike Costelloe (General Manager, Arts, Culture and Economic Development), Anna Nilsen (Group Manager Property), Simon Spiers (Team Leader Regulation Management), Ian Martin (Principal Advisor Road Safety), Janet Young (Transport Analyst), Rose Wunrow (Policy Analyst – Transportation Regulation), Janet Fraser (Corporate Planner), John McAndrew (Head of 3 Waters), Rory McLean (Senior Policy Analyst) and Robyn Dillon (Manager Governance). |
Governance Support Officer Lynne Adamson
Bishop Anne van Gend (Anglican Bishop of Dunedin) opened the meeting with a prayer.
Crs Jo Galer and Russell Lund entered the meeting at 9.05 am.
There were 10 speakers in the Public Forum.
Cr Benedict Ong entered the meeting at 9.06 am.
2.1 Mike Taylor
Mr Taylor, Firefighter and Secretary of the Dunedin Branch of New Zealand Professional Firefighters Union spoke of the ongoing strikes by firefighters, the issues that they were raising and how they affected Dunedin. He was gathering support for a petition asking for accountability from FENZ and the Government.
Mr Taylor responded to questions.
2.2 Peter Foster
Mr Foster spoke of the Zero Carbon work and commented that he believed there was no need for the work to continue as he believed there was evidence that there has been no increase in any form of extreme weather.
2.3 John Burnip
Mr Burnip spoke on the petition which requested a speed limit reduction on the Brighton - Taieri Mouth Road. He commented on the methods used to gain signatures and that they were far in excess of those who lived on the road or in Taieri Mouth and he questioned if any had travelled the road at the proposed speed limit.
Mr Burnip responded to questions and thanked Councillors and staff for their support.
2.4 Raewynne Pedofski
Ms Pedofski spoke to her pre-circulated information on the proposed reorganisation of Local Government Entities. She commented that as the largest city in the South Island, and the one who has made significant progress in 3 Waters, Dunedin could go it alone if necessary.
Ms Pedofski responded to questions.
2.5 Robyn Vintiner
Ms Vintiner spoke on the amalgamation process of Local Government Entities. She then spoke about the South Dunedin flooding issues and requested that the Otago Regional Council and the Dunedin City Council urgently proceed with a pipes and pumps drainage investigation for South Dunedin.
Ms Vintiner requested that research undertaken on the amalgamation be shared with the community.
Ms Vintiner responded to questions.
2.6 Dr Jen Purdie
Dr Purdie (University of Otago Climate Scientist) outlined her background and research she had undertaken and the results. She spoke on climate action and thanked Council for the work undertaken to date. Dr Purdie encouraged the council to remain ambitious in its emissions reduction targets.
Dr Purdie responded to questions.
Moved (Mayor Sophie/Cr Cherry Lucas):
That the Council:
Extends the Public Forum
Motion carried
2.7 Bridie Lonie
Ms Lonie advised that she was a member of the organisation Senior’s Climate Action Network which ran monthly presentations on climate change and its implications which were published to their website. Ms Lonie said councillors needed to show leadership on climate change action.
Ms Lonie responded to questions.
2.8 Matt Greene
Mr Green spoke on the Zero Carbon Plan. He commented that net zero emissions alone would not stabilise the long term damages, global emissions would need to become net-negative and remain so for centuries according to recent studies. Mr Green provided statistical information in support of his comments and urged Councillors to take all steps needed to deliver the strongest possible Zero Carbon Plan.
Mr Greene responded to questions.
2.9 Matt Jenks
Mr Jenks spoke on the Changes to the Zero Carbon 2030 Target. He commented that the Zero Carbon target was more than just emissions, it was immediate health benefits for Dunedin residents and spoke of the need to shift from cars to walking, cycling and buses to help reduce emissions.
Mr Jenks responded to questions.
2.10 Rosemary Penwarden
Ms Penwarden spoke of the urgency to understand and act on climate breakdown and commented on the changes she had made over the past 15 years to reduce her carbon footprint. She urged Councillors to make the city liveable for future generations.
Ms Penwarden responded to questions.
PETITION
Mr Tony Cummings, Deputy Chair – Dunedin Area Citizens Assn Inc presented a petition calling for Pumps and Pipes in South Dunedin. He commented that when the petition had been sent, there were 1,344 signatures however it had now been signed by over 2,000 people.
Mr Cummings spoke of the flooding over the past few years and commented that in June 2018, Council had delivered an update to every resident in South Dunedin and advised they had a $7m commitment to help fix the problem yet to date, nothing has happened. He noted that Council had also advised they would invest $44m to update the Green Island Waste Water Treatment Plan which was yet to be completed. In closing Mr Cummings said they were not asking for anything new, they just wanted Council to do what they had promised.
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Moved (Mayor Sophie Barker/Cr Cherry Lucas): That the Council: Approves the apology for lateness from Cr Steve Walker. Motion carried (CNL/2026/116) |
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Moved (Mayor Sophie Barker/Cr Cherry Lucas): That the Council:
Confirms the agenda without addition or alteration.
Motion carried (CNL/2026/117) |
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 (Mayor Sophie Barker/Cr Cherry Lucas): 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/2026/118) |
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Moved (Mayor Sophie Barker/Cr Cherry Lucas): That the Council: a) Confirms the public part of the minutes of the Ordinary Council meeting held on 25 June 2026 as a correct record. Motion carried (CNL/2026/119) |
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Moved (Mayor Sophie Barker/Cr Cherry Lucas): That the Council: a) Confirms the public part of the minutes of the Ordinary Council meeting held on 13 May 2026 as a correct record. Motion carried (CNL/2026/120) |
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A report from Finance provided the financial results for the period ended 31 May 2026 and the financial position as at that date. |
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The Chief Financial Officer (Carolyn Allan) and Group Manager Property (Anna Nilsen) spoke to the report and responded to questions.
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During discussion Cr Mickey Treadwell left the meeting at 10.08 am and returned at 10.10 am; Cr Doug Hall left the meeting at 10.09 am and returned at 10.11 am and Cr Benedict Ong left at 10.15 am and returned at 10.19 am.
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Moved (Cr Cherry Lucas/Cr Lee Vandervis): That the Council:
a) Notes the Financial Performance for the period ended 31 May 2026 and the Financial Position as at that date. Motion carried (CNL/2026/121) with Cr Benedict Ong recording his vote against |
Moved (Mayor Sophie/Cr Cherry Lucas)
That the Council:
Adjourns the meeting for 10 minutes
Motion carried
The meeting adjourned at 11.06 am and reconvened at 11.23 am.
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8 Governance and Councillor Appointments to Outside Organisations Updates |
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A report from Civic advised the Council that the Mayor had exercised her discretionary power under Section 41A(3) of the Local Government Act 2002 (LGA) to appoint newly elected Cr Joanne Galer to the role of Portfolio Co-Lead – Heritage. In addition, the report also recommended appointments to existing external organisations and to two new organisations: the Creative Dunedin Advisory Group and Creative New Zealand Grants Advisory Group. |
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Mayor Sophie spoke to the report and responded to questions.
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Moved (Mayor Sophie Barker/Cr Mandy Mayhem): That the Council:
a) Notes Cr Joanne Galer’s appointment as the Portfolio Co-Lead – Heritage along with Cr Russel Lund. b) Notes Cr Galer’s annual remuneration remains as previously approved by Council and gazetted by the Remuneration Authority being $100,577. c) Notes Deputy Mayor Cherry Lucas’s appointment as the Portfolio Deputy – Infrastructure. d) Notes the Infrastructure portfolio now includes Future Development Strategy as a strategic area. e) Notes Cr Brent Weatherall’s appointment as Lead of the Infrastructure Portfolio. f) Notes Cr Marie Laufiso’s appointment as the Council representative on the Saddle Hill Community Board. g) Approves Cr Joanne Galer as the Council representative on the Dunedin Public Art Gallery Society, the Hereweka Harbour Cone Trust and the Theomin Gallery Management Committee (Olveston). h) Approves the removal of Cr Steve Walker from the Hereweka Harbour Cone Trust. i) Approves Mayor Sophie Barker as the Council representative on the Dunedin Chinese Garden Advisory Board. j) Approves Cr Brent Weatherall as the Council representative on the Dunedin Public Art Gallery Acquisitions Committee. k) Approves Cr Mandy Mayhem as the Council representative of Creative New Zealand Grants Advisory Panel. Division The Council voted by division
For: Crs John Chambers, Jo Galer, Christine Garey, Doug Hall, Marie Laufiso, Cherry Lucas, Mandy Mayhem, Andrew Simms, Mickey Treadwell, Brent Weatherall and Mayor Sophie Barker (11). Against: Crs Russell Lund, Benedict Ong and Lee Vandervis (3). Abstained: Nil
The division was declared CARRIED by 11 votes to 3
Motion carried (CNL/2026/122) |
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10 Hearings Committee Recommendation - Taieri Mouth Road Speed Limit |
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A report from Transport presented the recommendation of the Hearings Committee following its consideration of submissions on the proposed speed limit reduction for Taieri Mouth Road at the Committee meeting held on 28 May 2026. |
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The Chairperson (Cr Mandy Mayhem) summarised the meeting, the considerations of the submissions and reasons the Committee reached the decision to reduce the speed limit on Brighton-Taieri Mouth Road. Cr Mayhem responded to questions.
The Team Leader Regulation Management (Simon Spiers), Principal Advisor Road Safety (Ian Martin) and Transport Analyst (Janet Young) provided background information and support answering questions.
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Moved (Cr Mandy Mayhem/Cr Andrew Simms): That the Council:
a) Notes that the Hearings Committee has considered submissions on the proposed Taieri Mouth Road speed limit reduction; b) Adopts Option 1 – reduce the speed limit from 100 km/h to 80 km/h along the full length of Taieri Mouth Road (13.9 km); c) Notes that implementation will be undertaken in accordance with the Land Transport Rule: Setting of Speed Limits 2024, including updates to the National Speed Limit Register and installation of signage; and d) Notes that complementary measures raised through consultation, including road maintenance, vegetation management, signage improvements, and enforcement, will continue to be considered as part of the corridor management on Taieri Mouth Road. Division The Council voted by division
For: Crs John Chambers, Jo Galer, Christine Garey, Doug Hall, Marie Laufiso, Cherry Lucas, Mandy Mayhem, Benedict Ong, Andrew Simms, Mickey Treadwell and Mayor Sophie Barker (11). Against: Crs Russell Lund, Lee Vandervis and Brent Weatherall (3). Abstained: Nil
The division was declared CARRIED by 11 votes to 3
Motion carried (CNL/2026/124) |
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Moved (Mayor Sophie Barker/Cr Cherry Lucas): That the Council:
a) Pursuant to the provisions of the Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act 1987, exclude the public from the following part of the proceedings of this meeting namely: This resolution is made in reliance on Section 48(1)(a) of the Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act 1987, and the particular interest or interests protected by Section 6 or Section 7 of that Act, or Section 6 or Section 7 or Section 9 of the Official Information Act 1982, as the case may require, which would be prejudiced by the holding of the whole or the relevant part of the proceedings of the meeting in public are as shown above after each item; and b) Adjourns the meeting for 45 minutes.
Motion carried (CNL/2026/125) |
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The meeting adjourned at 12.30 pm and reconvened in public at 2.45 pm.
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11 Hearings Committee Recommendations on the Proposed Traffic and Parking Bylaw 2026 |
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Cr Russell Lund withdrew from this item and left the meeting at 2.47 pm. |
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A report from Transport presented the findings of the Hearings Committee (the Committee) on the submissions to the proposed Traffic and Parking Bylaw 2026. |
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The Chairperson (Cr Cherry Lucas) spoke to the recommendations and responded to questions.
The Team Leader Regulation Management (Simon Spiers) and Rose Wunrow (Policy Analyst – Transport Regulation) provided support and responded to questions.
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Cr Steve Walker entered the meeting at 3.04 pm (via zoom audio visual link).
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Moved (Cr Cherry Lucas/Cr Mandy Mayhem): That the Council:
a) Notes the Hearings Committee has considered 31 submissions on the proposed Traffic and Parking Bylaw 2026, b) Notes the minutes of the Hearings Committee and the Committee’s recommended amendments to the consultation version of the proposed Bylaw (Attachment B), c) Confirms that the proposed Bylaw, including the recommended amendments, is the most appropriate way of regulating traffic and parking; is the most appropriate form of Bylaw; and does not give rise to any implications under the New Zealand Bill of Rights Act 1990, d) Adopts the Traffic and Parking Bylaw 2026. e) Approves a date of effect of the Traffic and Parking Bylaw 2026 of 1 August 2026, f) Revokes the Traffic and Parking Bylaw 2010 from 1 August 2026. Motion carried (CNL/2026/126) with Cr Jo Galer registering her vote against |
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12 Hearings Committee Recommendations on Proposed Parking Changes - June 2026 |
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Cr Andrew Simms after withdrawing from this item, left the meeting at 3.11 pm and returned at 3.14 pm. |
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A report from Transport presented recommendations of the Hearings Committee meetings held on 12 June 2026 on proposed changes and corrections to parking restrictions. |
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The Chairperson (Cr Cherry Lucas) spoke to the recommendations and responded to questions.
The Team Leader Regulation Management (Simon Spiers) and Policy Analyst – Transport Regulation (Rose Wunrow) provided support and responded to questions.
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Moved (Cr Cherry Lucas/Cr Mandy Mayhem): That the Council:
a) Adopts the proposed changes to traffic and parking restrictions shown in the June 2026 update of the Dunedin City Council's traffic and parking restrictions database: June 2026 Proposed Parking Changes, b) Notes that Council staff would undertake follow-up actions for some of the proposed parking changes (with actions described in paragraphs 35, 37, and 40), c) Notes that the Hearings Committee has considered feedback from consultation on the proposed changes relating to changes and restrictions, d) Notes that all parking restrictions previously approved by the Council remain unchanged. Motion carried (CNL/2026/127) with Cr Jo Galer recording vote against |
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A report from Finance provided the Council with an update on the development of the 10 Year Plan 2027-37. The 10 Year Plan was being developed in parallel with Council’s inaugural Water Services Strategy 2027-37, which was the subject of a separate report. |
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Cr Doug Hall left the meeting at 3.28 pm and returned at 3.31 pm. Cr Christine Garey left the meeting at 3.36 pm and returned at 3.39 pm.
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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 (Mayor Sophie Barker/Cr Cherry Lucas): That the Council:
a) Notes the Development of the 10 Year Plan 2027-37 report. Motion carried (CNL/2026/128) |
Moved (Mayor Sophie/Cr Cherry Lucas):
That the Council:
Extends the meeting beyond 6 hours
Motion carried
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A report from Civic and 3 Waters provided the Council with an update on the development of the inaugural Water Services Strategy 2027-37. The Water Services Strategy was developed in parallel with Council’s 10 Year Plan 2027-37, which is the subject of a separate report. |
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The General Manager, 3 Waters, Property and Urban Development (David Ward), Head of 3 Waters (John McAndrew) and Corporate Planner (Janet Fraser) spoke to the report and responded to questions.
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Moved (Cr Brent Weatherall/Cr Mickey Treadwell): That the Council:
a) Notes the Water Services Strategy 2027-37 development report. Motion carried (CNL/2026/129) |
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A report from Transport advised that the DCC had received temporary road closure applications relating to the following events: i) Graduation Parade ii) Special Rigs for Special Kids iii) 2026 Emerson’s Dunedin Marathon iv) Vintage Car Run
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Mayor Sophie noted that this was the final Council meeting attended by Ms Jeanine Benson, Group Manager Transport, prior to her departure from the Dunedin City Council. The Mayor acknowledged and thanked Ms Benson for her extensive knowledge, her honest and straightforward advice, and her significant contribution to the Council during her years of service.
Councillors Garey and Walker also paid tribute to Ms Benson, noting the high regard in which she was held, her calm and considered manner, and their admiration for her professionalism, skills, and leadership.
The Mayor and Councillors extended their best wishes to Ms Benson for the future and acknowledged her outstanding service with a round of applause, noting that whomever was to be her new employer would be fortunate to benefit from her expertise and experience.
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Moved (Mayor Sophie Barker/Cr Cherry Lucas): That the Council:
a) Resolves to close the roads detailed below (pursuant to Section 319, Section 342, and Schedule 10 clause 11(e) of the Local Government Act 1974 (LGA 1974)): i) Graduation Parade
ii) Special Rigs for Special Kids
iii) 2026 Emerson’s Dunedin Marathon
iv) Vintage Car Run
Motion carried (CNL/2026/130) |
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Moved (Mayor Sophie/Cr Cherry Lucas
That the Council:
Adjourns the meeting for 5 minutes
Motion carried
The meeting adjourned at 4.17 pm and reconvened at 4.23 pm.
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A report from Zero Carbon sought a decision for Council to consider whether to refresh the existing city emissions targets set in 2019, and if Council wished to refresh the existing targets, determine the type of target. |
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The Acting General Manager City Services (Jeanine Benson) and Senior Policy Analyst – Zero Carbon (Rory McLean) spoke to the report and responded to questions.
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Cr Jo Galer left the meeting at 4.27 pm. Cr Lee Vandervis left the meeting at 4.43 pm. Mayor Sophie left the meeting at 4.51 pm and Deputy Mayor Cherry Lucas assumed the Chair.
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Moved (Cr Mickey Treadwell/Cr Doug Hall): That the Council: a) Adopts refreshed Carbon Zero targets for the Dunedin Carbon Zero Framework, replacing the existing Net Zero 2030 target. b) Adopts a two-stage target comprising i) a near-term gross greenhouse gas emissions reduction target; and ii) a long-term net zero greenhouse gas emissions target. c) Adopts separate targets for biogenic methane and all other greenhouse gases, maintaining a distinct biogenic methane reduction target. d) Notes that staff will present a future report for Council to consider the level of ambition, including proposed target years and emissions reduction pathways, for the refreshed targets. Division The Council voted by division For: Crs John Chambers, Christine Garey, Doug Hall, Marie Laufiso, Cherry Lucas, Mandy Mayhem, Andrew Simms, Mickey Treadwell and Steve Walker (9). Against: Crs Benedict Ong and Brent Weatherall (2). Abstained: Nil The division was declared CARRIED by 9 votes to 2 Motion carried (CNL/2026/131) |
The meeting closed at 5.26 pm
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MAYOR DEPUTY MAYOR