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 Thursday 27 November 2025, commencing at 10:00 a.m.
PRESENT
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Mayor |
Mayor Sophie Barker |
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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 Jules Radich |
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Cr Andrew Simms |
Cr Mickey Treadwell |
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Cr Lee Vandervis |
Cr Steve Walker |
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Cr Brent Weatherall |
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IN ATTENDANCE |
Sandy Graham (Chief Executive), Carolyn Allan (Chief Financial Officer), Scott MacLean (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), (Lisa Wilkie Kaiārahi – Team Leader Creative Partnerships), Sian Sutton (Manager, Enterprise Dunedin), Gina Hu’akau (Community Partnerships Manager), Simon Spiers (Team Leader Regulation Management), Abbey Chamberlain (Senior Transport Planner), Corporate Policy Manager (Nadia Wesley-Smith), Gill Brown (Principal Policy Advisor Housing), Anna Nilsen (Group Manager Property), Janet Young (Sustainable Travel Co-ordinator), Dr Berkley Kochak), Paula Dickel (Strategic Property Advisor) and Jackie Harrison (Manager Governance). |
Governance Support Officer Lynne Adamson
Mrs Ruth Groffman opened the meeting with a prayer on behalf of the Dunedin Jewish Community.
There were five speakers for Public Forum.
2.1 Aaron Hawkins
Mr Hawkins, Strategic Lead of the Otago Housing Alliance spoke in support of an outreach service in the city and the requirement for this to be urgently addressed. He commented on need for more public housing and greater support in general for whanau experiencing homelessness.
Mr Hawkins responded to questions.
2.2 David Bainbridge-Zafar
Mr Bainbridge-Zafar spoke in support of the introduction of fare free public transport for Dunedin. He commented on the benefits cities across the world had experienced following implementation of the scheme and urged Councillors to consider this for Dunedin. Mr Bainbridge-Zafar requested the item be included in the next Annual Plan for consultation.
Mr Bainbridge-Zafar responded to questions.
2.3 Suzanne Menzies-Culling
Ms Menzies-Culling spoke on the importance of Waitangi Day celebrations in Dunedin. She commented on her disappointment at recent city run treaty festivals and that she would like to see better offerings in the future.
Ms Menzies-Culling spoke of need to honour the memory of those who signed the Treaty of Waitangi and observe the importance of the day. Dunedin had many nationalities and cultures ant this was a chance to enhance the depth and richness to all our communities..
Ms Menzies-Culling responded to questions.
2.4 David McKenzie
Mr McKenzie thanked Council for the continued support for the Night Shelter and commented on the recent upgrade to the property. He commented on the increase in service provided to those who used the shelter, for example connecting people with agencies.
Mr McKenzie commented on the necessity for a dedicated outreach worker and responded to questions.
Moved (Mayor Sophie/Cr Cherry Lucas):
That the Council:
Extends the Public Forum beyond 30 minutes.
Motion carried
Mayor Sophie apologised for any stress caused by the oversight of the establishment of the Grants Committee.
2.5 Lois Scott-Muir and Joy Davis
Ms Scott-Muir and Ms Davis spoke on behalf of Ōtepoti Community Builders. They explained the work of the organisation and commented that it was an informal, volunteer run network of organisations, groups and people from across the community sector in Ōtepoti .
They commented that the grants review had been underway for some time and they would like to see it completed. Ms Scott-Muir and Ms Davis spoke of the importance of having community representation on the grants committee and requested it be reinstated with the full community representation.
Ms Scott-Muir and Ms Davis responded to questions.
Crs Marie Laufiso and Mickey Treadwell left the meeting at 10.48 am
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Moved (Mayor Sophie Barker/Cr Cherry Lucas): That the Council:
Confirms the agenda without addition or alteration.
Motion carried (CNL/2025/315) |
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 new declarations of interest.
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
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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 11 November 2025 as a correct record with minor editorial changes. Motion carried (CNL/2025/316) |
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A report from Civic provided an update on the implementation of resolutions made at Council meetings. |
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Cr Marie Laufiso and Mickey Treadwell returned to the meeting at 10.51 am.
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The Chief Executive (Sandy Graham) and General Manager City Services (Scott MacLean) and (General Manager Corporate and Regulatory Services) Paul Henderson responded to questions.
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Moved (Mayor Sophie Barker/Cr Cherry Lucas): That the Council:
a) Notes the Open and Completed Actions from resolutions of Council meetings. |
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A report from Civic provided the updated Council forward work programme for the 2025 year. |
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The Chief Executive (Sandy Graham) responded to questions.
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Moved (Mayor Sophie Barker/Cr Cherry Lucas): That the Council:
a) Notes the updated Council forward work programme. Motion carried (CNL/2025/318) |
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A report from Transport sought approval for an amendment to the Road Naming Policy document adopted by Council in 2016. Staff recommend that changes were made to the application of the Road Naming Policy to allow developers to use pre-approved names from the Road Name Register, without requiring a second road naming report to be submitted to Council or a delegated Committee.
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The General Manager, City Services (Scott MacLean); Team Leader Regulation Management (Simon Spiers) and Senior Transport Planner (Abbey Chamberlain) spoke to the report and responded to questions.
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Moved (Mayor Sophie/Cr Cherry Lucas):
That the Council:
Adjourns the meeting.
Motion carried
The meeting adjourned at 11.33 am and reconvened at 11.37 am. Cr Jules Radich left the meeting at 11.33 am
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Moved (Cr Mandy Mayhem/Cr Steve Walker): That the Council:
a) Approves the proposed amendments to the Road Naming Policy. Motion carried (CNL/2025/319) |
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A report from Transport provided an update on the review of the Traffic and Parking Bylaw and outlined the next steps which included development of draft documents and consultation on any proposed changes and timeframes. |
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Crs Benjamin Ong and Jules Radich returned to the meeting at 11.40 am.
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The General Manager, City Services (Scott MacLean); Team Leader Regulation Management (Simon Spiers) and Senior Transport Planner (Abbey Chamberlain) spoke to the report and responded to questions.
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Moved (Mayor Sophie Barker/Cr Mandy Mayhem): That the Council:
a) Notes the Traffic and Parking Bylaw review update. Motion carried (CNL/2025/320) |
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A report from Transport proposed an upcoming consultation on a proposed speed limit change on Taieri Mouth Road between Brighton and Taieri Mouth. A speed limit reduction from 100km/h to 80km/h along Taieri Mouth Road had been proposed in the draft Speed Management Plan that the Dunedin City Council consulted on in 2023. During that consultation, 20 Kuri Bush residents signed a submission which supported an 80km/h speed limit on Taieri Mouth Road through the Kuri Bush settlement. Following the release of the Land Transport Rule: Setting of Speed Limits 2024 the Dunedin City Council was unable to proceed with the draft Speed Management Plan as the process for setting speed limits had changed. Public consultation on the proposal to reduce the Taieri Mouth Road speed limit from 100km/h to 80km/h in accordance with the Setting of Speed Limits Rule 2024, would occur in early 2026. |
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The General Manager, City Services (Scott MacLean), Team Leader Regulation Management (Simon Spiers) and Safe and Sustainable Travel Co-ordinator (Janet Young) spoke to the report and responded to questions.
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Moved (Mayor Sophie Barker/Cr Mandy Mayhem): That the Council:
a) Notes the Taieri Mouth Road Speed Limit Change Consultation report. Motion carried (CNL/2025/321) |
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A report from Property sought approval for a road stopping process for 158m2 of land adjoining 42 Glengyle Street, Vauxhall, as the public notification process has been completed and no objections were received. |
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The General Manager 3 Waters, Property and Urban Development (David Ward), Group Manager Property (Anna Nilsen) and Strategic Property Advisor (Paula Dickel) spoke to the report and responded to questions.
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Moved (Mayor Sophie Barker/Cr Cherry Lucas): That the Council:
a) Resolves that under Section 342 of the Local Government Act 1974 the part of unformed road described as Section 1 SO 610112 is stopped. b) Notes that no objections were submitted during the public notice period. c) Authorises a public notice declaring that the road is stopped. Motion carried (CNL/2025/322) |
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A report from Civic and Corporate Policy sought approval for an amendment to the Chief Executive Officer’s delegations to enable staff assessment and approval of applications for grants of up to $5,000 (excluding Rates Relief grants) that were funded and administered by the Dunedin City Council. The report noted that in order to satisfy Council’s granting procedures, and to enable applicants to meet project and event deadlines, it was necessary to make decisions on grant categories before the end of 2025. |
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The Chief Executive (Sandy Graham) and Manahautū (General Manager Community and Strategy) (Nicola Morand) spoke to the report and responded to questions.
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Moved (Mayor Sophie/Cr Cherry Lucas):
That the Council:
Adjourns the meeting for 45 minutes.
Motion carried
The meeting adjourned at 12.18 pm and reconvened at 1.01 pm.
Cr Jules Radich entered the meeting at 1.04 pm. Cr Benedict Ong entered the meeting at 1.09 pm.
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Moved (Cr Marie Laufiso/Cr Christine Garey): That the Council: a) Amends the Chief Executive Officer’s delegations to enable approval of Dunedin City Council–funded and administered grant applications (excluding Rates Relief) valued at $5,000 or less, as follows: 1 The Chief Executive is delegated the power to approve or decline applications for grants that are funded and administered by the Council, provided that: i) The grant was within an approved budget; and ii) The maximum possible grant value awarded to an applicant does not exceed $5,000; and iii) The power to approve or decline the grant has not been reserved to the Council under this Manual or by resolution. 2 The Chief Executive may sub-delegate this authority to any other officer of the Council, subject to: i) The sub-delegation being in writing and suitably recorded; and ii) The grant being signed off by the relevant General Manager. 3 This delegation would expire on 31 December 2025 b) Notes that staff will provide a report to the 11 December 2025 Council meeting on the allocation of the grants funding. Division The Council voted by division
For: Crs John Chambers, Christine Garey, Doug Hall, Marie Laufiso, Cherry Lucas, Mandy Mayhem, Benedict Ong, Jules Radich, Mickey Treadwell, Steve Walker, Brent Weatherall and Mayor Sophie Barker (12). Against: Crs Russell Lund, Andrew Simms and Lee Vandervis (3). Abstained: Nil
The division was declared CARRIED by 12 votes to 3
Motion carried (CNL/2025/323) |
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A report from Policy and Partnerships responded to Council’s agreement in principle to establish a Council-led housing outreach service and outlined the associated implications and costs. It sought direction from Council on whether to fund the service as an unbudgeted overspend in the current financial year to enable immediate establishment, or to defer establishment until it could be considered through the annual plan budgeting process. |
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The Manahautū (General Manager Community and Strategy) (Nicola Morand) and Principal Policy Advisor Housing (Gill Brown) spoke to the report and responded to questions.
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Moved (Mayor Sophie/Cr Cherry Lucas):
That the Council:
Adjourns the meeting for five minutes.
Motion carried
The meeting adjourned at 2.01 pm and reconvened at 2.09 pm.
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During discussion Cr Mandy Mayhem left the meeting at 2.37 pm and returned at 2.39 pm.
It was agreed that resolution a) would be taken separately.
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Moved (Cr Andrew Simms/Cr Russell Lund): That the Council:
a) Confirms its commitment to establishing and funding a Housing Outreach service in the city;
Motion carried (CNL/2025/324)
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Moved (Cr Andrew Simms/Cr Russell Lund): That the Council:
b) Authorises the CEO to develop the terms for the service as an Expression of Interest (EOI) for an outreach service noting that the terms would include: i) an initial 3 year service beginning in April 2026, ii) performance measures and community outcomes iii) annual reporting requirements.
c) Directs staff to undertake an EOI process to seek proposals from community providers to deliver the outreach service;
d) Reports back to Council on the EOI outcome, alongside the in-house option, for a decision on the preferred provider/model and confirmation of the final funding for the first three years of the service. Division The Council voted by division
For: Crs Cherry Lucas, Russell Lund, Benedict Ong, Jules Radich, Andrew Simms, Lee Vandervis, Brent Weatherall and Mayor Sophie Barker (8). Against: Crs John Chambers, Christine Garey, Doug Hall, Marie Laufiso, Mandy Mayhem, Mickey Treadwell and Steve Walker (7). Abstained: Nil
The division was declared CARRIED by 8 votes to 7
Motion carried (CNL/2025/325) |
Mayor Sophie Barker/Cr Cherry Lucas:
That the Council:
Adjourns the meeting for 10 minutes.
Motion carried
The meeting adjourned at 3.05 pm and reconvened at 3.16 pm.
Crs Russell Lund and Brent Weatherall returned to the meeting at 3.17 pm.
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A report from Community Services sought Councils’ approval to develop an Ōtepoti Youth Action Plan (ŌYP), aligned with the Ōtepoti Youth Vision (ŌYV), and informed by youth engagement, survey data, and youth sector collaboration. The report also provided an update on youth-related work undertaken by the Dunedin City Council, in relation to the two Council resolutions which Directed staff to develop a draft Ōtepoti Rakatahi Taiohi Young People’s Action Plan in consultation with Māori and Pasifika agencies and Directed staff to work with the Dunedin Youth Council and Mirror Services to identify a suitable site for a Youth Hub. |
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The Manahautū (General Manager Community and Strategy) (Nicola Morand) and Community Partnerships Manager (Gina Hu’akau) spoke to the report and responded to questions.
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Moved (Cr Mickey Treadwell/Cr Steve Walker): That the Council:
a) Notes the progress update on youth-related activities and resolutions. b) Notes the attached Summary of Youth Survey Findings (2024). c) Approves the process to develop the Ōtepoti Youth Action Plan (ŌYP), aligned with the Ōtepoti Youth Vision (ŌYV), and informed by engagement with youth stakeholders and partners. Motion carried (CNL/2025/326) |
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16 Residents' Opinion
Survey Quarterly Update: July - September |
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A report from Corporate Policy provided a summary of the Residents’ Opinion Survey quarterly results for Quarter One 2025-2026 (July-September 2025). The Quarterly results showed a comparison between the fourth quarter of the last financial year (April-June 2025), and the first quarter of the current year (July-September 2025). |
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The Manahautū (General Manager Community and Strategy) Nicola Morand and Corporate Policy Manager (Nadia Wesley-Smith) 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 Residents’ Opinion Survey quarterly results for the period of July-September 2025 (Quarter One 2025/26). b) Notes the previous contract for the Residents’ Opinion Survey expired on 31 August 2025 with no further extensions. The open market procurement plan has now been completed and a new contract has been signed. c) Notes the ROS questionnaire has been updated to reflect the measures for LoS statements as adopted by Council in the 9 Year Plan 2025-34. Motion carried (CNL/2025/327) |
Moved (Mayor Sophie/Cr Mandy Mayhem):
That the Council:
Extends the meeting beyond 6 hours.
Motion carried
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17 New Zealand Masters Games Statement of Intent and Service Level Agreement 2025 - 2027 |
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A report from Events presented the Statement of Intent (SOI) and Service Level Agreement (SLA) for the Dunedin (New Zealand) Masters Games Trust for approval. |
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The Manager, Enterprise Dunedin (Sian Sutton) and Masters Games Manager (Vicki Kestila) spoke to the report and responded to questions..
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Moved (Cr Steve Walker/Cr Mandy Mayhem): That the Council:
a) Approves the 2025 – 2027 Dunedin (New Zealand) Masters Games Trust Statement of Intent. b) Approves the 2025 – 2027 Dunedin (New Zealand) Masters Games Trust Service Level Agreement. Motion carried (CNL/2025/328) |
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18 2026 New Zealand Masters Games Operational and Financial Update |
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A report from Events and Finance provided an update on the operational and financial status of the biennial New Zealand Masters Games to be held in Dunedin (31 January – 8 February 2026). Financially the 2026 New Zealand Masters Games was on track with 88.31% of budgeted revenue confirmed. Registrations, opened since 9 September 2025, were currently slightly behind those received at the same time for the 2024 Games. The Manager, Enterprise Dunedin (Sian Sutton) and Masters Games Manager (Vicki Kestila) spoke to the report and responded to questions..
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Moved (Cr Steve Walker/Cr Mandy Mayhem): That the Council:
a) Notes the New Zealand Masters Games operational and financial update. b) Approves the 2026 New Zealand Masters Games proceeding. Motion carried (CNL/2025/329) |
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19 Dunedin City Council submission on the Otago Regional Council Indigenous Biodiversity Strategy 2025 |
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A report from Corporate Policy sought consideration and approval of a draft submission to the Otago Regional Council (ORC) on the ORC Indigenous Biodiversity Strategy 2025. The consultation seeks feedback on the need for and design of the Strategy, which included: · a long-term vision for the region and shorter-term outcomes to aim for between now and 2040 · ORC’s approach to supporting and strengthening the collective effort of mana whenua, communities, landowners, businesses, central government, and local councils · How the ORC delivers on its responsibilities and meets community expectations to care for Otago’s native biodiversity. |
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The General Manager, City Services (Scott MacLean) and Policy Analyst (Dr Berkley Kochak) spoke to the report and responded to questions.
Councillors briefly discussed the Government’s proposal to restructure regional councils and agreed to send a letter of support to the Otago Regional Council regarding the proposal.
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Moved (Cr Steve Walker/Cr Mickey Treadwell): That the Council:
a) Approves the draft Dunedin City Council submission, with minor editorial amendments, on the Otago Regional Council’s Indigenous Biodiversity Strategy 2025. b) Authorises the Chief Executive to make any minor editorial amendments to the submission . c) Notes that the Mayor or delegate will speak to the submission at any hearings. Motion carried (CNL/2025/330) |
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Resolution to Exclude the Public |
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Moved (Mayor Sophie Barker/Cr Steve Walker): That the Council:
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. Adjourns the meeting for 5 minutes. Motion carried (CNL/2025/331) |
The meeting moved into confidential and adjourned at 4.21 pm and Cr Lee Vandervis left the meeting.
The meeting resumed in public at 4.46 pm.
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A report from Ara Toi summarised grant applications and included applicant data and funding recommendations to the Dunedin City Council (DCC) Professional Theatre Fund for the September 2025 round. |
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The Manahautū - General Manager, Community and Strategy (Nicola Morand) and Kaiārahi – Team Leader Creative Partnerships (Lisa Wilkie) spoke to the applications.
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Moved (Cr Cherry Lucas/Mayor Sophie Barker): That the Council:
a) Declines DCC Professional Theatre Funding to HicSunt Dracones Productions (under auspice of Stage South Charitable Trust); and b) Declines DCC Professional Theatre funding to Stage South Charitable Trust. Motion carried (CNL/2025/332)
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Moved (Cr Cherry Lucas/Mayor Sophie Barker): That the Council:
a) Approves DCC Professional Theatre funding of:
i) $8,474.00 to Afterburner (under auspice of WOW! Productions) ii) $15,000.00 to Birds of a Feather (under the auspice of He Waka Eke Noa Charitable Trust) iii) $14,000.00 to Carol Brown Dances and Collaborations iv) $16,000.00 to Curiouser & Curiouser (under auspice of Stage South Charitable Trust) v) $14,000 to Dunedin Summer Shakespeare (under auspice of Castle Charitable Trust) vi) $9,826.00 to Glorious Ruins (under the auspice of Stage South Charitable Trust) vii) $6,000.00 to Improsaurus Incorporated viii) $14,900.00 to WOW Productions |
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Moved (Mayor Sophie Barker/Cr Cherry Lucas): That the Council:
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. Motion carried (CNL/2025/334) |
The meeting moved into confidential at 4.20 pm and resumed in public at 5.43 pm.
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It was noted that the application from Dunedin Summer Shakespeare (under the auspice of Castle Charitable Trust)) had been inadvertently missed off the resolutions of the DCC Professional Theatre Funding Grants considered earlier in the meeting.
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Moved (Cr Cherry Lucas/Cr Mandy Mayhem): That the Council: a) Pursuant to Standing Orders 23.5, alters Resolution (CNL/2025/333) as follows: Approves DCC Professional Theatre Funding of: i) $8,474.00 to Afterburner (under auspice of WOW! Productions); ii) $15,000 to Birds of a Feather (under auspice of He Waka Eke Noa Charitable Trust) iii) $14,000.00 to Carol Brown Dances and Collaborations iv) $16,000.00 to Curiouser & Curiouser (under auspice of Stage South Charitable Trust) v) $14,000.00 to Dunedin Summer Shakespeare (under auspice of Castle Charitable Trust) vi) $9,826.00 to Glorious Ruins (under auspice of Stage South Charitable Trust) vii) $6,000.00 to Improsaurus Incorporated viii) $14,900.00 to Stage South Charitable Trust. Motion carried (CNL/2025/335) |
The meeting moved into confidential at 4.56 pm
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MAYOR