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 12 February 2026, commencing at 9.00 am
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 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 |
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), Mike Costelloe (General Manager, Arts, Culture and Economic Development), Hayden McAuliffe (Manager Financial Services), Richard Davey (Treasurer Dunedin City Holdings Ltd), Gina Hu’akau (Manager Community Partnerships), Manager Corporate Policy (Nadia Wesley-Smith), Danielle Tolson (Policy Analyst), Teresa Fogerty (Manager Destination Dunedin), Dan Hendra (Team Leader Events), Dr Anna Johnson (Manager City Planning), Bede Morrissey (Senior Planner City Development), Anna Nilsen (Group Manager Property), John McAndrew (Head of 3 Waters), and Jackie Harrison (Manager Governance) |
Governance Support Officer Rebecca Murray
Rev Alofa Lale, Associate Minister, First Church of Otago opened the meeting with a prayer.
2.1 Aaron Hawkins spoke on behalf of Housing Alliance regarding Otago Housing and thanked the Council for its continued support of local home‑insulation initiatives and provided an update on the strong outcomes achieved through DCC and OCT funding, noting both the significant number of Dunedin households assisted and the wider public benefits of improving housing quality.
2.2 Jerome Cousins and Andrea Liberatore representing NZ International Science Festival briefed elected members on the positive impact of Council grants on recent festivals and provided comments regarding the current grants review.
2.3 Joy Davis and Lois Scott-Muir on behalf of Ōtepoti Community Builders spoke to elected members about the Grants Review and emphasised the benefits of establishing a Grants Subcommittee with community and mana whenua representation.
Moved: (Mayor Sophie Barker/Cr Cherry Lucas)
That the Council:
Extend Public Forum beyond 30 minutes.
Motion carried
2.4 Haren Makaea spoke to elected members about experiences of racism in Dunedin, highlighting concerns about exclusion and the challenges of feeling included as someone from another country.
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Moved (Mayor Sophie Barker/Cr Cherry Lucas): That the Council:
Confirms the agenda without addition or alteration.
Motion carried (CNL/2026/012) |
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 Team’s Interests. Motion carried (CNL/2026/013) |
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Moved (Mayor Sophie Barker/Cr Cherry Lucas): That the Council: Confirms the public part of the minutes of the Ordinary Council meeting held on 26 January 2026 as a correct record. Motion carried (CNL/2026/014) |
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Moved (Mayor Sophie Barker/Cr Cherry Lucas): That the Council: Confirms the public part of the minutes of the Ordinary Council meeting held on 29 January 2026 as a correct record. Motion carried (CNL/2026/015) |
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This report provided an overview of community feedback on the 2025/26 New Year’s Eve event, highlighting the aspects attendees enjoyed, acknowledging opportunities for improvement, and outlining options to enhance future celebrations within existing budget settings.
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Moved (Mayor Sophie Barker/Cr Steve Walker): That the Council: Adjourns the meeting for 15 minutes.
Motion carried |
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The meeting adjourned at 10.28am and reconvened at 10.42am. |
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Moved (Cr Andrew Simms/Mayor Sophie Barker): That the Council:
a) Notes the feedback from the community on the 2025/26 New Years Eve event b) Commits to building on the previous event for the 2026/27 New Years celebration within the existing budget c) Asks staff to work with the ED portfolio leads to cost alternative options (including fireworks at various locations) with appropriate consultation and bring costed options back to Council by April 2026. Motion carried (CNL/2026/016) |
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8 Residents' Opinion Survey Quarterly Update: October - December 2025 |
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The report provided a summary of the Residents’ Opinion Survey (ROS) quarterly results for Quarter Two 2025/2026 (October-December 2025). Manahautū - General Manager Community and Strategy (Nicola Morand) and Manager Corporate Policy (Nadia Wesley-Smith) responded to questions. |
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Moved (Mayor Sophie Barker/Cr Cherry Lucas): That the Council:
Notes the Residents’ Opinion Survey quarterly results for the period of October-December 2025 (Quarter Two 2025/26). Motion carried (CNL/2026/017) |
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This report sought approval for the draft submission from the DCC to the Environment Select Committee on the Planning Bill and the Natural Environment Bill. General Manager 3 Waters, Property and Urban Development (David Ward), Manager City and Development (Dr Anna Johnson) and Senior Planner City Development (Bede Morrissey) spoke to the report and responded to questions.
Cr Doug Hall left the meeting at 12pm and returned to the meeting at 12.06pm. |
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Moved (Cr Cherry Lucas/Mayor Sophie Barker): That the Council:
a) Approves the draft Dunedin City Council submission on the Planning Bill and the Natural Environment Bill, with any amendments requested, to the Environment Select Committee. Addition to Section 7.3 of the submission:
DCC recommends that the new planning system explicitly enable territorial authorities to require developer-provided infrastructure to be designed and constructed to accommodate the maximum density permitted by the base zoning, rather than the density proposed by the developer at the time of development. This is necessary to ensure that infrastructure capacity aligns with the full development potential anticipated by the planning framework. Where infrastructure is designed only for the initially proposed density, subsequent intensification may exceed available capacity, resulting in additional costs (to councils and ratepayers), disruption, and inefficiencies. b) Authorises the Chief Executive to make any minor editorial amendments to submission. c) Notes that the Mayor or delegate will speak to any hearings in regard to this submission. Motion carried (CNL/2026/018) with Cr Vandervis recording his vote against. |
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Moved (Mayor Sophie Barker/Cr Steve Walker): That the Council:
Adjourns the meeting until 2.15pm.
Motion carried |
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The meeting adjourned at 1.28pm and reconvened at 2.16pm. |
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The report sought approval for the Dunedin City Council (DCC) draft submission to the Inquiry into the 2025 Local Elections (the Inquiry). Chief Executive (Sandy Graham), Manahautū - General Manager Community and Strategy (Nicola Morand), Manager Corporate Policy (Nadia Wesley-Smith) and Policy Analyst (Danielle Tolson) responded to questions. |
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Moved (Mayor Sophie Barker/Cr Cherry Lucas): That the Council:
Adjourns the meeting for two minutes.
Motion carried |
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The meeting adjourned at 2.37pm and reconvened at 2.38pm. |
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Moved (Mayor Sophie Barker/Cr Cherry Lucas): That the Council:
a) Approves the draft Dunedin City Council submission to the Inquiry into the 2025 Local Elections. b) Authorises the Chief Executive to make any minor editorial amendments to the draft submission. c) Authorises the Mayor or delegate to speak at any hearings. Motion carried (CNL/2026/019) with Cr Vandervis recording his vote against. |
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This report provided an overview of the 2026–2029 Otago Triennial Agreement, outlining the statutory requirement for a coordinated regional approach among Otago’s local authorities and seeking Council approval of the agreement in its required format. |
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Moved (Mayor Sophie Barker/Cr Cherry Lucas): That the Council:
a) Approves the Otago Local Authorities’ Triennial Agreement 2026-2029. b) Authorises the Mayor to sign the Otago Local Authorities’ Triennial Agreement 2026-2029 on behalf of the Dunedin City Council. c) Notes that the Triennial Agreement requires the Otago Mayoral Forum to identify and oversee progress on ‘regional focus areas’ – areas where a regional approach is either required or an improve outcomes for Otago. Motion carried (CNL/2026/020) |
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This report provided an overview of the 2025 DCC Grants Review, outlining recommended core policy settings to improve clarity, transparency, and strategic alignment across the grants system, and seeking Council agreement on these settings and the proposed next steps.
Manahautū - General Manager Community and Strategy (Nicola Morand) and Manager Community Partnerships (Gina Hu’akau) responded to questions. |
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Moved (Mayor Sophie Barker/Cr Christine Garey): That the Council:
Adjourns the meeting until 3pm.
Motion carried |
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The meeting adjourned at 2.55pm and reconvened at 3.02pm. |
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Moved (Mayor Sophie Barker/Cr Cherry Lucas): That the Council:
Adjourns the meetings for two minutes.
Motion carried |
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The meeting adjourned at 3.20pm and reconvened at 3.23pm. |
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During discussion Mayor Sophie left the meeting at 3.48pm. Deputy Mayor Lucas chaired the meeting.
Mayor Sophie returned to the meeting at 3.53pm and resumed the Chair. |
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Following Deputy Mayor Cherry Lucas moving and Mayor Sophie Barker seconding a motion. Cr Mandy Mayhem moved an amendment to Item 1 (e). Cr Marie Laufiso seconded the amendment. |
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Moved (Cr Mandy Mayhem/Cr Marie Laufiso): That the Council:
e) Confirms its preferred Governance Structure for Grant Decisions is a Grants Subcommittee + Staff Delegations + Council Oversight where: a) Staff allocate small grants under delegation. b) A Grants Subcommittee (which include community representatives) allocates mid-tier grants, multi-year and large grants. Division The Council voted by division
For: Crs John Chambers, Christine Garey, Doug Hall, Marie Laufiso, Mandy Mayhem, Benedict Ong, Andrew Simms, Mickey Treadwell and Steve Walker (9). Against: Crs Cherry Lucas, Russell Lund, Lee Vandervis, Brent Weatherall and Mayor Sophie Barker (5). Abstained: Nil
The division was declared CARRIED by 9 votes to 5
Motion carried (CNL/2026/021) |
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Moved (Cr Cherry Lucas/Mayor Sophie Barker): That the Council:
1 Adopts the following policy settings for Grants: a) Defines a Council Grant as: A non-repayable financial contribution to an external organisation or individual for a specific project that advances strategic goals the Council cannot deliver alone. It supports community-led activities and services that deliver a measurable public benefit, as outlined in the Council’s Long-Term Plan, without expectation of commercial return. While primarily targeting not-for-profit organisations, grants may support for-profit activities where a clear and distinct community benefit is delivered and is demonstrably separated from private gain.
b) Confirms Council’s Role and Purpose in Grant-Making is: i) Stewardship – ensuring public funds are allocated fairly, transparently, and strategically; ii) Partnership – working with community organisations as co-deliverers of community outcomes; iii) Enabler – reducing barriers and administrative burden; and iv) Accountability – maintaining oversight and alignment with Council priorities
c) Agrees it's priorities for Grant-Making are to: i) Prioritise the development of grant approaches that more directly advance its community outcomes; and ii) Refine grant structures and budget settings over time to strengthen this alignment, with further options to be considered through a future Annual Plan process.
d) Confirms its preferred approach to delivering grants is consolidation plus development of new community outcomes grants, including: i) Consolidation of existing grant categories to improve clarity and consistency; and ii) Development of new partnership-based grants aligned to priority community outcomes (for example housing, youth wellbeing, and health), subject to future budget and implementation decisions. f) Notes that grant funding levels will be set through the Annual Plan and Long-Term Plan processes.
2 Notes That the agreed policy settings will inform the update of the Grants Management Policy (2019) and associated governance, delegations, and operational arrangements.
3 Requests that staff a) Draft an updated Grants Management Policy reflecting the agreed policy settings; b) Develop implementation and transition arrangements, including any required updates to delegations and committee terms of reference; c) Undertake pre-procurement analysis for a grants management system aligned with the agreed policy framework; and d) Report back to Council through a future Annual Plan process with detailed options to strengthen alignment between grant-making. Motion carried (CNL/2026/022) |
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Moved (Cr Cherry Lucas/Mayor Sophie Barker): That the Council:
e) Confirms its preferred Governance Structure for Grant Decisions is a Grants Subcommittee + Staff Delegations + Council Oversight where: i) Staff allocate small grants under delegation. ii) A Grants Subcommittee (which include community representatives) allocates mid-tier grants, multi-year and large grants. Division The Council voted by division
For: Crs John Chambers, Christine Garey, Doug Hall, Marie Laufiso, Mandy Mayhem, Andrew Simms, Mickey Treadwell and Steve Walker (8). Against: Crs Cherry Lucas, Russell Lund, Benedict Ong, Lee Vandervis, Brent Weatherall and Mayor Sophie Barker (6). Abstained: Nil
The division was declared CARRIED by 8 votes to 6
Motion carried (CNL/2026/023) |
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Moved (Mayor Sophie Barker/Cr Cherry Lucas): That the Council:
Adjourns for 10 minutes.
Motion carried |
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The meeting adjourned at 4.17pm and reconvened at 4.25pm. |
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This report provided details of the Waste Minimisation Community grants that were awarded under the Chief Executive Officer’s delegation in the September 2025 round, and the Waste Minimisation Small grants awarded by the former Grants Subcommittee Chair during the period March 2025 and October 2025. |
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Moved (Mayor Sophie Barker/Cr Mandy Mayhem): That the Council:
a) Notes that the Waste Minimisation Grants are funded by Waste Disposal Levy funds provided by the Ministry for the Environment and are not rates funded. b) Notes the approved funding allocated to organisations for Waste Minimisation Small Projects and Waste Minimisation Community grants. Motion carried (CNL/2026/024) |
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14 Appointment of Advisory Panel to consider District Licensing Committee Commissioner applications |
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This report provided an overview of the statutory requirements for maintaining the District Licensing Committee, outlining proposed steps to ensure continuity and adequate hearing capacity through the recruitment of additional commissioners and the establishment of an advisory panel to assess applicants. |
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Moved (Mayor Sophie Barker/Cr Mandy Mayhem): That the Council:
a) Notes that applications will be invited for District Licensing Committee commissioner roles. b) Appoints an Advisory Panel of Councillor Lucas (as Chair), Councillor Garey and Councillor Walker to consider the applications received to be commissioners of the Dunedin District Licensing Committee. c) Approves the draft Terms of Reference for the Advisory Panel (with any amendment). d) Requires the Advisory Panel to: i) make recommendations for appointment to the Chief Executive, and ii) appoint a chairperson for the District Licensing Committee and iii) (if desired) appoint a deputy chairperson. Motion carried (CNL/2026/025) |
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15 Review of Dangerous, Insanitary and Affected Buildings Policy |
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This report provided an update on the scheduled review of the Dangerous, Insanitary and Affected Buildings Policy and sought Council approval to consult on proposed minor amendments in accordance with statutory requirements.
Cr Russell Lund entered the meeting at 4.28pm Cr Andrew Simms entered the meeting at 4.28pm. |
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Moved (Mayor Sophie Barker/Cr Cherry Lucas): That the Council:
Adjourns the meeting for two minutes.
Motion carried |
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The meeting adjourned at 4.32pm and reconvened at 4.34pm |
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Moved (Cr Steve Walker/Cr Mandy Mayhem): That the Council:
a) Notes the review of the Dangerous, Insanitary and Affected Buildings Policy b) Approves the proposed Dangerous, Insanitary and Affected Buildings Policy at Attachment A and the statement of proposal at Attachment B for consultation. c) Notes that Hearings Committee members to hear and consider submissions for this review will be appointed by the Chair of the Hearings Committee in due course. Motion carried (CNL/2026/026) |
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This report provided an overview of the road stopping process for land adjoining 26 Neill Street, confirming that statutory consultation has been completed with no objections and seeking to conclude the formal decision‑making process. |
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Moved (Cr Brent Weatherall/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 Sections 1 & 2 SO 619506 are 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/2026/027) |
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This report provided an update from Dunedin City Treasury Limited on the results of the Waipori Fund for the quarter ended 31 December 2025. Chief Financial Officer (Carolyn Allan) and Treasurer Dunedin City Holdings Ltd (Richard Davies) spoke to the report and advised that DCHL were underway with the review of the SIPO and will provide an update to Council on 25 March 2026 and responded to questions. |
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Moved (Cr Lee Vandervis/Cr Cherry Lucas): That the Council:
a) Notes the report from Dunedin City Treasury Limited on the Waipori Fund for the quarter ended 31 December 2025. Motion carried (CNL/2026/028) |
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This report provided the financial results for the period ended 31 December 2025 and the financial position as at that date. Chief Executive (Sandy Graham), Chief Financial Officer (Carolyn Allan), General Manager Corporate and Regulatory Services (Paul Henderson), General Manager City Services (Scott MacLean), Manager Financial Services (Hayden McAuliffe), Head of 3 Waters (John McAndrew), Group Manager Property (Anna Nilsen) responded to questions. |
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Moved (Cr Lee Vandervis/Cr Cherry Lucas): That the Council:
a) Notes the Financial Performance for the period ended 31 December 2025 and the Financial Position as at that date. Motion carried (CNL/2026/029) |
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A report from Transport sought approval of the temporary road closure applications relating to the following events: i) Graduation Parade ii) South Dunedin Street Festival iii) Three Peaks Running Race iv) Baseline |
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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) South Dunedin Street Festival
Motion carried (CNL/2026/030) | ||||||||||||||||||||
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20 Terms of Reference - Council Controlled Organisation Transition Steering Report |
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This report provided an overview of the proposed Terms of Reference to guide the transition and consultation process for potentially establishing Enterprise Dunedin as a standalone Council Controlled Organisation, ensuring strategic oversight and alignment with Council priorities.
Chief Executive (Sandy Graham) and General Manager Arts, Culture and Economic Development (Mike Costelloe) responded to questions. |
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Moved (Mayor Sophie Barker/Cr Andrew Simms): That the Council: a) Adopts the terms of reference without amendment for the Economic Development Agency Transition Steering Group. b) Appoints Mayor Barker, Cr Simms and three external advisors as members of the Transition Steering Group. Motion carried (CNL/2026/031) |
The meeting closed at 5.27pm.
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MAYOR