Agenda of Policy and Planning Committee - Thursday, 20 August 2026

Policy and Planning Committee

20 August 2026

Policy and Planning Committee

MINUTES

Minutes of an ordinary meeting of the Policy and Planning Committee held in the Council Chamber, Level 2, Dunedin Public Art Gallery, The Octagon, Dunedin on Thursday 18 June 2026, commencing at 9.00 am

PRESENT

Chairperson	Mayor Sophie Barker
Deputy Chairperson	Cr Cherry Lucas
Members	Cr John Chambers	Cr Jo Galer
	Cr Christine Garey via Zoom	Cr Doug Hall
	Cr Marie Laufiso	Cr Mandy Mayhem
	Cr Andrew Simms via Zoom	Cr Mickey Treadwell
	Cr Lee Vandervis	Cr Steve Walker
	Cr Brent Weatherall	Ms Nadia Wesley-Smith

IN ATTENDANCE

David Ward (General Manager 3 Waters, Property and Urban Development), Nicola Morand (Manahautū – Kaiwhakahaere Hapori me Rautaki / General Manager – Community and Strategy), Paul Henderson (General Manager Corporate and Regulatory), Scott MacLean (General Manager City Services), Mike Costelloe (General Manager Arts Culture and Economic Development), Robyn Dillon (Manager Governance), Jonathan Rowe (Programme Manager, South Dunedin Future), Brandy Saxton (Senior Advisor – Climate Adaptation and Resilience, South Dunedin Future) and Gina Hu’akau (Manager Community Partnerships).

Governance Support Officer Rebecca Murray

1 karakia timatanga

Mayor Sophie Barker opened the meeting with a Karakia Timatanga.

2 Public Forum

There was no Public Forum.

3 Apologies
	An apology was received from Professor Emma Wyeth and an apology for early departure was received from Cr Marie Laufiso.

	Moved (Mayor Sophie Barker/Cr Mandy Mayhem): That the Committee: Accepts the apology from Professor Emma Wyeth and the apology for early departure was received from Cr Marie Laufiso. Motion carried (PAPCC/2026/013)

4 Confirmation of agenda

Moved (Mayor Sophie Barker/Cr Cherry Lucas):

That the Committee:

Confirms the agenda without addition or alteration.

Motion carried (PAPCC/2026/014)

5 Declarations of interest

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

Moved (Mayor Sophie Barker/Cr Cherry Lucas):

That the Committee:

a) Notes the Elected or Independent Members' Interest Register; and

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

Motion carried (PAPCC/2026/015)

6 Confirmation of Minutes

6.1 Policy and Planning Committee meeting - 2 April 2026

Moved (Mayor Sophie Barker/Cr Cherry Lucas):

That the Committee:

Confirms the minutes of the Policy and Planning Committee meeting held on 02 April 2026 as a correct record.

Motion carried (PAPCC/2026/016)

Part A Reports

7 Delivering the Citywide Climate Resilience Framework
	A report from South Dunedin Futures provided a progress update on Council’s agreed approach to managing climate risks by ensuring decisions about infrastructure, services and investment are informed by consistent, up-to-date climate risk information. In January 2025, Council endorsed a Citywide Climate Resilience Framework and approved funding through the 2025–34 9‑Year Plan to design and establish that framework. Cr Andrew Simms entered the meeting via Zoom at 9.05am. The General Manager City Services (Scott MacLean), Manager Climate Adaptation and Resilience (Jonathan Rowe), and Senior Advisor Climate Adaptation and Resilience (Brandy Saxton) spoke to the report and responded to questions.

	Moved (Cr Mickey Treadwell/Mayor Sophie Barker): That the Committee: a) Repeals the Climate Change Predictions Policy (2011). b) Adopts the proposed Climate Adaptation Policy. c) Notes the Citywide Climate Resilience Framework. d) Notes the Resilience Roadmap as the interim Citywide Climate Adaptation Plan. e) Notes the delivery of the framework includes evaluation and development of a dynamic Citywide Climate Risk Assessment platform to support risk-informed decision-making. Division The Committee voted by division For: Crs John Chambers, Christine Garey, Doug Hall, Marie Laufiso, Cherry Lucas, Mandy Mayhem, Andrew Simms, Mickey Treadwell, Steve Walker, Brent Weatherall, Ms Nadia Wesley-Smith and Mayor Sophie Barker (12). Against: Crs Lee Vandervis and Jo Galer (2). Abstained: Nil The division was declared CARRIED by 12 votes to 2 Motion carried (PAPCC/2026/017)

8 Residents' Opinion Survey Quarterly Report
	The report provides the Residents’ Opinion Survey (ROS) quarterly results for Quarter Three 2025/2026 (January - March 2026). The Manahautū – Kaiwhakahaere Hapori me Rautaki / General Manager Community and Strategy (Nicola Morand) and Manager Community Partnerships (Gina Hu’akau) responded to questions. Cr Marie Laufiso left the meeting at 10.25am. Cr Steve Walker left the meeting at 10.25am and returned to the meeting at 10.26am. Cr Doug Hall left the meeting at 10.25am and returned to the meeting at 10.28am. Cr Mickey Treadwell left the meeting at 10.27am and returned to the meeting at 10.28am. Mayor Sophie Barker left the meeting at 10.30am, Cr Cherry Lucas chaired the meeting in her absence.

	Moved (Cr Cherry Lucas/Cr Mandy Mayhem): That the Committee: Notes the Residents’ Opinion Survey quarterly results for the period of January – March 2026 (Quarter Three 2025/26). Motion carried (PAPCC/2026/018)

9 Items for Consideration by the Chair

Any items for consideration by the Chair.

Mayor Sophie Barker returned to the meeting at 10.43am and resumed the Chair.

Cr Mickey Treadwell queried the process for Council making a submission on the ‘(Move on Orders) Amendment Bill’ consultation, noting its closing date was 2 July 2026.

10 Karakia Whakamutunga

Mayor Sophie Barker closed the meeting with a Karakia Whakamutunga.

The meeting concluded at 10.44am.

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

CHAIRPERSON

Policy and Planning Committee

20 August 2026

Part A Reports

Update Report on the Dunedin Economy for the Year to March 2026

Department: Enterprise Dunedin

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

1 This paper is a cover report for the attached Quarterly Economic Monitor (QEM) and provides selected indicators from the QEM to March 2026.

2 The Quarterly Economic Monitor (QEM) provides an in-depth description and analysis of Dunedin’s economy and performance to the year ending 31 March 2026. It is attached as Attachment A.

3 Enterprise Dunedin staff have also prepared a short paper attached as Attachment B. The paper summarises 10-year trends in the Dunedin economy, providing comparisons to selected cities and national results in the same period. These insights focus on Gross Domestic Product (GDP), Employment and Income for Dunedin.

4 The insights paper examines the headline economic numbers to gain greater insight into the Dunedin Economy. Headline data such as GDP growth applied to the unique composition of the Dunedin economy and population can lead to inaccurate assumptions. The attached paper Attachment B expands the key points below, which are counter to some popular misunderstandings about the city economy, and suggests the city programme has enabled growth in the city economy and liveability.

· When rate of population growth is accounted for the Dunedin economy has grown faster than the national economy in the last 10 years.

· Dunedin residents between 30 to 65 years age earn the same as the national average income.

· The rate of increase in filled jobs has grown faster than rate of population growth in the last 10 years.

· Unemployment in Dunedin has been close to its 10-year lowest rate whilst nationally unemployment rate is close to its 10-year high.

5 The insights paper is not a comprehensive review of the economy, future papers will use public data to examine further topics.

RECOMMENDATIONS

That the Committee:

a) Notes the Update Report on the Dunedin Economy for the Year to March 2026.

BACKGROUND

6 Enterprise Dunedin’s activity is guided by the 2013-2023 Economic Development Strategy (EDS). This EDS incorporates 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 bas 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.

DISCUSSION

7 Infometrics provisional GDP estimates show that Dunedin’s economy grew 0.2% in the year to March 2026, dragged down by a 0.6%pa fall in the March 2026 quarter. Growth was lower than New Zealand as a whole which recorded a 0.4% gain. Infometrics Figures are annual, presented year on year quarterly.

A graph with green lines

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8 GDP was provisionally $8.95 billion in Dunedin City for the year to March 2026 (2025 prices).

9 The number of business units (number of registered businesses) in Dunedin City was up 1.2% for the year to March 2026, compared to a year earlier.

10 The number of business units in Dunedin City reached an annual average of 12,634 in the year to March 2026, up from 12,490 in the previous 12 months.

11 Annual growth in the number of business units in Dunedin City peaked at 4.2% in the year to September 2022.

12 Real estate, central government and health care all boosted economic activity in the March quarter, but this was outweighed by contraction in education and construction.

13 Softer construction GDP was driven by weaker non-residential consents, falling 63% in the year to March 2026.

14 Residential consents are stronger, rising 12%, but unlikely to fully make up for weaker non-residential workloads.

15 Despite a weak recovery in economic activity, employment continues to slip in Dunedin, filled Jobs being down 0.7% in the year to March 2026, slowing to a 0.1%pa fall in the March 2026 quarter.

16 An average of 58,956 people living in Dunedin City were employed in the year to March 2026.

17 Jobseeker Support recipients in Dunedin have edged down 0.3% over the year to March 2026, driven by a reduction in short-term Jobseekers, as long-term Jobseekers rose 2.3%.

18 Consumer spending in Dunedin rose 0.5%pa in the March 2026 quarter, closing the year to March 2026 up 0.8%, according to Marketview data.

19 The slowdown in consumer spending after an earnest recovery in late 2025 shows that Dunedin households remain cautious with their spending. However, businesses appear more confident, with a 1.2% increase in the number of businesses in Dunedin, and a 4.6% increase in commercial vehicle registrations, in the year to March 2026.

20 Tourism is supporting 4,950 jobs, 7.5% of all jobs in the city, in the year to March 2025, according to the Infometrics Regional Economic Profile.

A graph of a number of jobs

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A graph of a number of people

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21 Tourism activity grew in the year to March 2026, with a 7.2% increase in tourism expenditure in Dunedin, and a 6.1% increase in guest nights at commercial accommodation. Both domestic and international markets grew, though international visitors led, with a 9.3% increase in international guest nights.

OPTIONS

22 As this is an update report: There are no Options.

NEXT STEPS

23 Further reports will be presented to monitor Dunedin’s economic progress.

Signatories

Author:

David Lea - Economic Development Advisor

Antony Deaker - Economic Development Team Leader

Sian Sutton - Manager, Enterprise Dunedin

Authoriser:

Mike Costelloe - General Manager, Arts, Culture & Economic Development

Attachments

	Title	Page
⇩a	Dunedin Quarterly Economic Monitor March 2026	26
⇩b	Dunedin Economic Insights #1	71

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 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 Economic Development Strategies

Māori Impact Statement

No known impacts for Māori.

Sustainability

Data from the Infometrics Annual Economic Profile report will inform Economic Development Strategy partners with future decision making.

LTP/Annual Plan / Financial Strategy /Infrastructure Strategy

Enterprise Dunedin activities and delivery on the 2013-2023 Economic Development Strategy are included in the 2018-2028 Long Term Plan.

Financial considerations

No identified financial considerations.

Significance

This report is considered of low significance in terms of Significance Engagement Strategy.

Engagement – external

Infometrics were engaged to produce the Quarterly Economic Monitor.

Engagement - internal

No internal engagement has been undertaken.

Risks: Legal / Health and Safety etc.

No identified risks.

Conflict of Interest

No identified conflict of interest.

Community Boards

There are no known implications for Community Boards.

Policy and Planning Committee

20 August 2026

Town Belt Active Travel Trial Summary Report

Department: Parks and Recreation

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

1 This report presents the findings of the Town Belt Active Travel Trial, undertaken between 26 January and 19 April 2026 to assess the effects of temporary vehicle access changes on sections of Queens Drive and Braid Road.

2 The trial involved temporary closure of sections of Queens Drive and Braid Road to through-traffic while maintaining access for residents, emergency services, maintenance vehicles, and operational access requirements.

3 Council adopted the Dunedin Town Belt Reserve Management Plan in August 2025. Policy 8.10.1.12 provided for consideration of adapting Queens Drive to enable resident-only access and establish a pedestrian/cycleway route through the Town Belt.

4 A total of 1,546 submissions were received during the engagement period.

5 Of these, the majority of respondents (896) opposed permanent closure of Queens Drive to vehicles, while 599 respondents supported permanent closure, and 51 were unsure or did not indicate a preference.

RECOMMENDATIONS

That the Committee:

a) Notes the findings of the Town Belt Active Travel Trial Final Report

b) Notes that the trial was undertaken to provide information relevant to Policy 8.10.1.12 of the Town Belt Reserve Management Plan.

c) Notes that the majority of submitters opposed permanent closure of Queens Drive to vehicles.

d) Notes that following feedback from the trial, no further trials or changes to walking and cycling access are planned for the Town Belt.

BACKGROUND

6 As part of the 9 Year Plan 2025-34, Council included $2M across years 2028 - 2032 ($500,000 each year) in the Transport budget for Town Belt active travel (walking and cycling) improvements.

7 Council, at its meeting of 12 August 2025 adopted the Dunedin Town Belt Reserve Management Plan;

Moved (Cr Andrew Whiley/Cr Steve Walker):

That the Council:

a) Notes that the Hearings Committee had heard and considered submissions on the draft Dunedin Town Belt Reserve Management Plan 2025.

b) Adopts the Dunedin Town Belt Reserve Management Plan 2025.

Motion carried (CNL/2025/218) with Cr Lee Vandervis recording his vote against

8 Policy 8.10.1.12 of the Dunedin Town Belt Reserve Management Plan 2025 provided for consideration of the adaptation of Queens Drive to enable resident-only access and establish a pedestrian/cycleway route through the Town Belt.

9 The policy identified objectives including transport safety, active transport, reduction in illegal dumping, and zero carbon outcomes.

10 The Town Belt Reserve Management Plan implementation plan that was presented as part of the agenda item identified the following action for the 2025/26 financial year:

Investigate the adaptation of Queens Drive to enable resident only access and to establish a pedestrian/cycleway route through the length of the Town Belt.

11 Following adoption of the Dunedin Town Belt Reserve Management Plan, staff investigated how to give effect to the adopted implementation programme and subsequently presented the Town Belt Active Travel Trial as an option for Council to consider. It was intended for the results of the survey to inform any future active travel improvements in the Town Belt as budgeted for in the out years of the 9 Year Plan.

12 Council resolved to proceed with the trial at the full Council meeting on 11 December 2025.

Moved (Cr Steve Walker/Cr Mandy Mayhem):

That the Council:

a) Approves the approach outlined in the report to implement the Town Belt Active Travel Trial.

b) Notes that the trial was the first step in delivering on the Town Belt Reserve Management Plan’s objectives and implementation plan.

c) Notes that at the conclusion of the trial staff will report back to Council on the results of the trial, including community feedback.

Division

The Council voted by division

For: Crs John Chambers, Christine Garey, Doug Hall, Cherry Lucas, Mandy Mayhem, Benedict Ong, Mickey Treadwell, Steve Walker, Brent Weatherall and Mayor Sophie Barker (10).

Against: Crs Russell Lund, Jules Radich, Andrew Simms and Lee Vandervis (4).

Abstained: Nil

The division was declared CARRIED by 10 votes to 4

Motion carried (CNL/2025/351)

13 The Town Belt Active Travel Trial was developed as a temporary trial involving reduced vehicle access within sections of Queens Drive and Braid Road prior to any consideration of permanent changes.

14 The Reshaping Streets regulatory framework introduced by Waka Kotahi NZTA enables councils, as Road Controlling Authorities, to undertake temporary street trials and traffic changes as regulated under the Land Transport Rule: Street Layouts 2023.

15 Per section 3 of this Rule, for a period of up to two years, a road controlling authority may install a pilot to make street layout changes on a road in order to receive and consider feedback from the public based on their experience of using the street layout.

16 The trial operated between 26 January and 19 April 2026 and involved temporary closure of sections of Queens Drive and Braid Road to through-traffic while maintaining access for residents, emergency services, maintenance vehicles, and operational access requirements.

17 The trial area was selected due to its connections between the hill suburbs, nearby schools, the central city, and the wider Town Belt network. Previous engagement undertaken through development of the Reserve Management Plan also identified concerns relating to transport safety, illegal dumping, pedestrian access, and vehicle behaviour within the corridor.

18 The trial sought to assess recreation and active travel use, transport network and safety effects, user experience and public feedback, environmental and amenity effects, and operational and accessibility considerations.

19 Monitoring undertaken during the trial included AI transport monitoring, tube count monitoring, speed environment assessment, observational assessment, engagement and stakeholder feedback, rubbish and illegal dumping monitoring, and biodiversity observations.

20 The trial was also identified as relevant to broader Council work relating to active travel and network connectivity.

21 Staff advised Council that findings from the monitoring and engagement process would be reported back to inform any future consideration of corridor options and next steps.

22 The trial was undertaken to collect information relating to transport, operational, environmental, and community response outcomes prior to consideration of future long-term design options.

DISCUSSION

23 The Town Belt Active Travel Trial Report appended as Attachment A summarises engagement findings, transport monitoring, biodiversity observations, rubbish monitoring, and operational observations from the trial period.

Engagement and Community feedback

24 An engagement programme was undertaken during the trial period. A total of 1,546 submissions were received. Of these, 896 opposed permanent closure of Queens Drive to vehicles, 599 supported permanent closure, and 51 were unsure or did not indicate a preference. Further detail is contained in Attachment A.

Transport Assessment

25 Transport monitoring identified increased pedestrian and cycling activity during periods of reduced vehicle access. Activity reduced following reinstatement of normal vehicle access.

26 Monitoring also identified transport safety and accessibility considerations within sections of the corridor, including constrained road geometry, limited pedestrian separation and vehicle speeds exceeding the posted speed limit in some locations.

Biodiversity and Environmental Observations

27 Biodiversity monitoring undertaken during the trial was insufficient to support conclusions regarding ecological change due to the short duration of the trial. Long-term and seasonal monitoring would be required to reliably assess ecological effects within the Town Belt environment.

Rubbish and Illegal Dumping

28 Illegal rubbish dumping was identified as a concern through development of the Dunedin Town Belt Reserve Management Plan. Community clean-up activities undertaken before, during and after the trial identified fewer newly dumped items during the trial period.

29 The available dataset was insufficient to establish a definitive causal relationship between reduced vehicle access and dumping behaviour.

Assessment Against the Dunedin Town Belt Reserve Management Plan

30 The Town Belt Active Travel Trial was undertaken to inform implementation of Policy 8.10.1.12 of the Dunedin Town Belt Reserve Management Plan.

31 The findings provide information relevant to the policy objectives relating to transport safety, active transport, reduction in illegal dumping and zero-carbon outcomes.

32 Transport monitoring identified increased pedestrian and cycling activity during periods of reduced vehicle access and highlighted transport safety and accessibility considerations within sections of the corridor.

33 Community feedback demonstrated a range of views regarding future access arrangements.

34 While biodiversity monitoring was inconclusive due to the short duration of the trial, the trial provided information regarding community use of the corridor and perceptions of the Town Belt environment.

35 Staff consider that the findings provide a useful evidence base to inform future consideration of relevant objectives and actions within the Dunedin Town Belt Reserve Management Plan and associated Ōtepoti Pathways work.

36 The findings do not identify a single preferred outcome for the future management of Queens Drive, and any future options would require further Council consideration and direction.

Financial Summary

37 Total cost to Council for the trial was $14,018.21 against an estimated cost of $15,200.

38 The transport implementation costs for the trial received a Funding Assistance Rate of 51%, with the remaining amount to be claimed from NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi.

39 Council received funding support from Sport Otago to purchase stencils that were used for temporary road markings.

40 The “Town Belt Trial Launch Event” and “Bikes and Birds Event” were delivered using existing Council resources, including Marketing and Events equipment, Taskforce Green volunteers, and staff support from the Parks and Recreation and Transport teams.

41 Trial costs were met through existing operational and project budgets.

42 Costs associated with the Town Belt trial are summarised below.

Item	Item Description	Amount
	Transport Costs
1	Installation of trial assets	$16,199.43
2	Variation (Parklet Flooring)	$1,656.46
3	Removal of trial assets	$9,237.04
4	Hiab Costs	$1,325.75
	Subtotal	$28,420.68
	Less Funding Assistance - Waka Kotahi	$13,926.13
	Engagement and Parks Costs
5	Spray Paint for Stencils	$88.08
6	Stamps for Bikes and Birds Event	$4.00
	Subtotal	$92.08
Total		$14,018.21

OPTIONS

43 There are no options associated with this report.

NEXT STEPS

44 Following the results of the trial, no further work on changes to walking and cycling access in the Town Belt is planned.

45 Further implementation of the Town Belt Management Plan 2025 will be subject to normal long term and annual planning processes.

Signatories

Author:

Katie Eglesfield - Parks and Recreation Planner

Authoriser:

Heath Ellis - Group Manager Parks and Recreation

Scott MacLean - General Manager, City Services

Attachments

	Title	Page
⇩a	Town Belt Active Travel Trial - Engagement and Trial Summary Report	90

SUMMARY OF CONSIDERATIONS

Fit with purpose of Local Government

This report enables democratic local decision-making by presenting the findings of the Town Belt Active Travel Trial and the feedback received during the trial period for Council's consideration.

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 trial was undertaken following adoption of the Dunedin Town Belt Reserve Management Plan and relates to policy direction contained within that Plan.

The report presents findings from the trial and does not seek a decision on future corridor changes.

Māori Impact Statement

The Town Belt is part of the wider cultural landscape of Ōtepoti and is of interest to mana whenua.

This report presents the findings of the Town Belt Active Travel Trial and does not seek a decision on future changes to Queens Drive or associated sections of the Town Belt.

Sustainability

The trial included consideration of active transport, transport safety, environmental outcomes, and community use of the Town Belt.

The duration of this trial was insufficient to support definitive conclusions regarding long-term environmental outcomes.

LTP/Annual Plan / Financial Strategy /Infrastructure Strategy

Approximately $2 million has been allocated within the Long-Term Plan for Town Belt interventions over a four-year period.

This report presents findings from the trial and does not seek approval for future capital expenditure.

Financial considerations

Total cost to Council for the trial was $14,018.21 against an estimated cost of $15,200.00.

No financial decisions are sought through this report.

Significance

Engagement – external

Engagement was undertaken with residents, stakeholders, community organisations, schools, accessibility representatives, recreation groups, and transport users throughout the trial period.

A total of 1,546 submissions were received, with 896 opposing permanent closure of Queens Drive to vehicles, 599 supporting permanent closure, and 51 unsure or not indicating a preference.

Engagement - internal

The project involved collaboration between the Parks and Recreation, Transport, Communications, Marketing, Design, and Events teams.

Risks: Legal / Health and Safety etc.

No significant legal risks have been identified through preparation of this report.

Conflict of Interest

There are no conflicts of interest identified.

Community Boards

There are no direct implications for Community Boards arising from this report.

Policy and Planning Committee

20 August 2026

Submission - Summary Offences (Move-On Orders) Amendment Bill

Department: Corporate Policy

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

1 The purpose of this paper is to seek Council’s retrospective approval of the draft Dunedin City Council (DCC) submission to the Justice Committee on the Summary Offences (Move-On Orders) Amendment Bill (the Bill).

2 The Bill has been introduced in response to central government concerns that people are congregating in city centres, especially around retail and hospitality premises, and engaging in behaviour that is disorderly, and, in some cases, criminal.

3 The Bill aims to:

· ensure that Police is adequately equipped to address public disorder; and

· increase the public’s sense of safety; and

· support urban centres and economies.

4 The Bill provides new powers that enable Police to issue move-on orders to manage low-level disorderly behaviour and prevent escalation.

5 Submissions on this consultation closed on 2 July 2026. Staff submitted the DCC’s draft submission before the closing date.

6 The retrospective submission is in accordance with the Delegations for the Policy and Planning Committee, where timing constraints apply, the Chairperson (or in the case of an absence, the Deputy Chairperson) has the authority to lodge submissions consistent with existing Council Policy and adopted positions and must report such action to the next meeting of the committee for retrospective approval.

7 If Council makes amendments, staff will arrange with the Justice Committee Secretariat to replace the DCC submission with the amended version.

8 Oral hearings on the Bill were held on 17 July 2026. Councillor Treadwell spoke to the Justice Committee on behalf of the DCC.

RECOMMENDATIONS

That the Committee:

a) Receives the submission to the Summary Offences (Move-on Orders) Amendment Bill.

b) Notes that the submission was lodged by the Chairperson under delegated authority due to consultation timeframes.

c) Retrospectively approves the submission to the Summary Offences (Move-on Orders) Amendment Bill.

BACKGROUND

9 The Bill introduces a new power for Police to issue move-on powers requiring people who are engaging in disorderly or disruptive behaviour in public places to leave the area and not return for a specified period of time.

10 The Bill enables Police to issue move-on orders:

· for behaviour that is disorderly, intimidating, threatening, or disruptive, unreasonably obstructing entry to a trade or business

· breaching the peace

· begging

· rough sleeping, or activities indicating an intent to inhabit a public place

· to people 14 years or older

· for a specified period of time, not longer than 24 hours

· for behaviour that is below the threshold of criminality, or for low-level criminal behaviour that relates to public disorder

· excludes move-on orders from applying to protest, freedom camping, and charitable or not-for-profit fundraising

· introduces new powers for Police to temporarily detain a person for the time necessary to obtain biographical details, for example, the person’s name, and to issue and serve a move-on order

· provides the specific powers and duties of a constable when issuing and serving move-on orders, and the contents of those orders.

11 The Bill also creates new offences for:

· failing or refusing to remain at the place where a person is detained, or failing or refusing to provide biographical details, or providing false bio graphical details, with a maximum penalty of a $500 fine

· knowingly or recklessly, and without reasonable excuse, failing or refusing to comply with a move-on order, with a maximum penalty of 3 months’ imprisonment or a fine not exceeding $2,000.

DISCUSSION

The DCC Submission

12 The DCC submission notes that the DCC is committed to ensuring its residents live in safe, healthy homes through its Housing Plan, which includes the guiding principle that decent housing is a human right.

13 The DCC submission details how this commitment is enacted at an operational level, including: provision of Community Housing units; the current implementation of an in-house outreach service; and how DCC staff work proactively with the local Police, central government department, and social agencies to care for the city’s homeless whānau.

14 The DCC submission raises a number of concerns about the proposed changes in the Bill, including the new powers in the Bill that will effectively criminalise behaviour that is not inherently harmful, and could undermine local efforts to both address city safety and support people experiencing homelessness and poverty.

15 The DCC submission notes that the Summary Offences Act (the Act) already includes punitive powers to address threatening, obstructive, and intimidating behaviour, and that matters related to both Council and private property are already covered in sections of the Local Government Act 2002 and the Trespass Act 1980.

16 In regard to begging, the DCC submission notes that begging is a discrete and often passive behaviour, and expresses concern that making begging subject to a move-on order could lead to criminalisation through non-compliance with the order.

17 The DCC submission expresses concern about risks to people’s safety under the amendment to add rough sleeping to the Act. It notes recent research by the Wellington City Council that shows people who are rough sleeping may choose well-lit places to sleep in because they feel relatively safer, or will choose to sleep in daylight.

OPTIONS

16 No options are presented in this report, as the submission has already been lodged under delegated authority. The purpose of this report is to seek retrospective Council approval of the submission.

NEXT STEPS

17 Staff submitted the draft DCC submission on the Summary Offences (Move-on Orders) Amendment Bill to the Justice Committee before the closing date, 2 July 2026. If Council makes amendments, staff will arrange with the Justice Committee Secretariat to replace the DCC submission with the amended version.

Signatories

Author:

Danielle Tolson - Policy Analyst

Authoriser:

Gina Hu'akau - Community Partnerships Manager

Nicola Morand - Manahautū (General Manager Community and Strategy)

Attachments

	Title	Page
⇩a	Dunedin City Council submission on the Summary Offences (Move-on Orders) Amendment Bill	137

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.

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 submission relates directly to the DCC’s Housing Plan 2022.

Māori Impact Statement

Research from the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development shows that, while making up about 17% of the total population, Māori account for roughly 29% to over 31% of individuals experiencing severe housing deprivation. Disproportionate numbers of wāhine Māori (women) and youth are affected.

Sustainability

There are no implications for sustainability.

LTP/Annual Plan / Financial Strategy /Infrastructure Strategy

There are no implications.

Financial considerations

There are no financial implications.

Significance

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

Engagement – external

The DCC’s submission has been informed by submissions to this consultation from the Salvation Army NZ and the Wellington City Council.

Engagement - internal

This submission has been prepared by the DCC’s Corporate Policy team, with input from the Housing Policy team.

Risks: Legal / Health and Safety etc.

There are no identified risks.

Conflict of Interest

There is no conflict of interest.

Community Boards

There may be implications for Community Boards if changes proposed in the Bill are enacted.

Chairperson	Mayor Sophie Barker
Deputy Chairperson	Cr Cherry Lucas
Members	Cr John Chambers	Cr Jo Galer
	Cr Christine Garey	Cr Doug Hall
	Cr Marie Laufiso	Cr Russell Lund
	Cr Mandy Mayhem	Cr Andrew Simms
	Cr Mickey Treadwell	Cr Lee Vandervis
	Cr Steve Walker	Cr Brent Weatherall
	Ms Nadia Wesley-Smith	Prof Emma Wyeth

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A ⇩	Minutes of Policy and Planning Committee meeting held on 18 June 2026	15