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 13 August 2026, commencing at 9.00 a.m.

 

PRESENT

 

Mayor

Mayor Sophie Barker

 

 

Members

Cr John Chambers

Cr Jo Galer

 

Cr Christine Garey

Cr Doug Hall (via zoom audio visual link)

 

Cr Marie Laufiso

Cr Russell Lund

 

Cr Mandy Mayhem

Cr Benedict Ong

 

Cr Andrew Simms

Cr Mickey Treadwell

 

Cr Lee Vandervis

Cr Steve Walker

 

Cr Brent Weatherall

 

 

IN ATTENDANCE

Sandy Graham (Chief Executive), Carolyn Allan (Chief Financial Officer), 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), Mr McAndrew (Acting GM 3 Waters), Monique Devereux (Head of Communications and Engagement)

 

Governance Support Officer                  Lauren Riddle

 

 

1          Opening

Haizal Mohd Hussaini and Mohammed Rizwan opened the meeting with a prayer on behalf of the Muslim community.

2          Public Forum

There were 6 people speakers in the Public Forum.

 

2.1       Mike Hammond and Rose Dickie, South Dunedin Community Network

             Mr Mike Hammond (Chairperson) and Ms Dickie (Community, Engagement and Operations Manager) affirmed the South Dunedin Community Network’s long-standing role in supporting and advocating for the people of South Dunedin in relation to flooding, sea level rise, climate adaptation and amenities in the South Dunedin area.

 

Mr Hammond advised that the South Dunedin community sought vibrant and resilient green spaces, designed for recreation to support positive mental, social and physical well-being outcomes.  He emphasized the importance of robust communication and public consultation by Council.

 

Ms Dickie reiterated the importance of community engagement to inform the South Dunedin community and the provision of accurate information.

 

Mr Hammond and Ms Dickie responded to questions.

 

 

2.2       Charlie Hurley

Mr Hurley spoke on the current state of Dunedin skateboarding facilities. He considered the facilities as being outdated and presented images of the current skateboard facilities.  Mr Hurley sought that development of future skateboarding facilities in Dunedin be led by research informed design as a standard.  He requested that a new destination skate park be included in the 10 Year Plan 2027-2037.

 

Mr Hurley responded to questions.

 

 

2.3       Elliot Phillips

Mr Phillips spoke on skateboarding from an arts and cultural influence perspective and its impact on the city.  He spoke of the talent within the skateboarding community and its influence on the New Zealand art and fashion scene.  Mr Phillips highlighted that it has been 23 years since the establishment of the Thomas Burns destination skate park and sought Council support to develop fit for purpose facilities to support skateboarding.

 

Mr Phillips responded to questions.

 

 

2.6       Duncan Eddy, West Harbour Community Board

Mr Eddy spoke on behalf of the West Harbour Community Board in support of Council assessing options for social housing development on the vacant Kāinga Ora land in Port Chalmers and provision of a briefing on the issue for central government ministers.

 

Mr Eddy spoke to the number of people on the social housing waiting list (he advised as being 394), while he considered there was social housing land available for development.  He talked of the impact to the local economy and community due to the cancelled development of 11 new state houses in Albertson Avenue, Port Chalmers by Kāinga Ora.  He advised the site has remained empty since mid- 2023, with no sale yet having been completed by Kāinga Ora.  He advised he considered the social value of land exceeded the commercial value.

 

Mr Eddy responded to questions.

 

Moved (Mayor Sophie/Cr Andrew Simms)

 

That the Council

 

Extends Public Forum beyond 30 minutes.

 

Motion Carried

 

 

2.7       Alan Somerville, Chair – Abbeyfield Dunedin (Inc)

Mr Somerville spoke about the support Council could provide for community housing in the city. He supported Council exploring the use of land within the city for community housing and the need for more affordable and healthy housing for elderly people in Dunedin.

 

Mr Somerville spoke about the Abbeyfield communal housing facility model in supporting elderly people to remain living independently with good nutrition being provided and regular social connection, which he considered as one of the most important determinants of continued good health in old age.

 

Mr Somerville urged Council to pursue models for the development of communal living (over individual housing units) for any future social housing projects.  He sought Council support for community housing providers through the use of suitable land within the city

 

He thanked Council for their role in providing social housing in the city and encouraged this to continue. 

 

Mr Somerville responded to questions.

 

 

2.9       Tony Cummings

Mr Cummings spoke in support of Brighton substituted for Wakari as the small scale centre to be upgraded in the 2026/27 financial year. He gave his perspective as a shopkeeper in the Wakari shopping centre and considered the installation of seating and planting at the shopping centre as having a negative impact for the community.

 

Mr Cummings responded to questions.

 

3          Apologies

 

Moved (Mayor Sophie Barker/Cr Andrew Simms):

That the Council:

 

Accepts the apology from Cr Cherry Lucas for absence and Cr Lee Vandervis for early departure.

 

Motion carried (CNL/2026/116)

 

4          Confirmation of agenda

 

Sandy Graham (Chief Executive) advised that two reports were withdrawn from the meeting agenda.

 

Item 10 – the Botanic Garden Plan report and

Item 13 – Notice of Motion for Community Housing.

 

Cr Marie Laufiso confirmed her withdrawal of Item 13 Notice of Motion.

 

 

Moved (Mayor Sophie Barker/Cr Andrew Simms):

That the Council:

 

Confirms the agenda with the withdrawal of the following items:

 

·        Item 10 – Botanic Garden Plan report, and

·        Item 13 – Notice of Motion for Community Housing.

 

Motion carried (CNL/2026/117)

 

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.

 

Cr Mandy Mayhem advised she is a member of the Blueskin Bay Watch.

 

 

Moved (Mayor Sophie Barker/Cr Andrew Simms):

That the Council:

 

a)         Amends Elected Members' Interest Register; and

b)        Amends 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)

 

Reports

6          Actions From Resolutions of Council Meetings

 

A report from Civic showed progress on implementing resolutions made at Council meetings. 

 

 

The Chief Executive (Sandy Graham) spoke to the report and advised it was the first iteration of the new format reporting. Ms Graham advised that staff would be working further on details for inclusion in the report for future Council meetings.

 

Ms Graham responded to questions.

 

 

Moved (Mayor Sophie Barker/Cr Andrew Simms):

That the Council:

 

 

a)         Notes the Open and Completed Actions from resolutions of Council meetings as attached.

 

Motion carried (CNL/2026/119)

 

7          Centres Upgrade Programme

 

A report from City Growth and Advisory Services noted that the Centres Upgrade and Minor Amenity Improvements Programme aimed to upgrade Dunedin’s neighbourhood centres by delivering amenity upgrades that enhance the suburban commercial areas for communities and to support local businesses.

Approval was sought for the change of location to substitute Wakari with Brighton, noting that the scope of the upgrade work in an area such as Brighton could be completed for less than the allocated budget.  Direction was also sought for a preferred approach for selection of centres for 2027/28 and 2028/29 which would allow staff to scope and cost the proposed upgrades.

 

The General Manager Arts, Culture and Economic Development (Mike Costelloe) and Team Leader Advisory Services (Mark Mawdsley) spoke to the report and responded to questions.

 

 

Moved  (Mayor Sophie Barker/ Cr Andrew Simms)

 

That the Council:

 

             Adjourns the meeting for five minutes.

 

             Motion carried

 

The meeting adjourned at 10:06 a.m. and reconvened at 10:07 a.m.

 

 

Discussion was held on the matrix used for assessment of amenities for upgrade and the importance of Community Boards having any amenity upgrades sought for the board area included in their Community Plans.

 

 

Moved  (Mayor Sophie Barker/ Cr Andrew Simms)

 

That the Council:

 

             Adjourns the meeting for 15 minutes.

 

             Motion carried

 

The meeting adjourned at 10:36 a.m. and reconvened at 10:56 a.m.

 

 

Moved (Mayor Sophie Barker/Cr Brent Weatherall):

That the Council:

a)         Notes the completion of the amenity upgrade in Musselburgh.

b)        Substitutes Brighton for Wakari in the Centres Upgrade Programme for              2026/27.

c)         Commences community engagement and design work for Middlemarch              Centres Upgrade Programme in 2026/27.

d)        Notes that a report including a prioritisation matrix for future years of the              Centres Upgrade Programme (including both small and large centres) will     be included for consideration in the Ten Year Plan 2027-37.

Division

The Council voted by division

 

For:                 Crs John Chambers, Jo Galer, Christine Garey, Doug Hall, Marie Laufiso, Mandy Mayhem, Andrew Simms, Mickey Treadwell, Steve Walker, Brent Weatherall and Mayor Sophie Barker (11).

Against:         Cr Russell Lund, Cr Lee Vandervis (2).

Abstained:   Nil

 

The division was declared CARRIED by 11 votes to 2

 

.Motion carried (CNL/2026/120)

 

8          Proposed Trade Waste Discharge Plan 2026 and Proposed Trade Waste Bylaw 2026

 

A report from 3 Waters sought approval for the draft proposed Trade Waste Discharge Plan 2026; the draft proposed Trade Waste Bylaw 2026 and the associated draft Statement of Proposal for notification for public consultation, using the special consultative procedure set out in the LGA.  

 

The Head of 3 Waters (John McAndrew), Regulation and Policy Team Leader (Scott Campbell) and Policy Analyst (Jacinda Baker) spoke to the report and responded to questions.

 

Cr Christine Garey left the meeting at 11:38 a.m. and returned to the meeting at 11:40 a.m.

Cr Mickey Treadwell left the meeting at 11:48 a.m. and returned to the meeting at 11:50 a.m.

 

 

Moved (Mayor Sophie Barker/Cr Lee Vandervis):

That the Council:

 

a)         Determines that a bylaw, in conjunction with the Trade Waste Discharge Plan, is the most appropriate way to manage trade waste in Dunedin and the discharge of trade waste to the wastewater network. 

b)        Determines that the draft proposed Trade Waste Bylaw 2026 at Attachment B is the most appropriate form of bylaw.

c)         Determines that the draft proposed Trade Waste Bylaw 2026 at Attachment B does not give rise to any implications under the New Zealand Bill of Rights Act 1990 and is not inconsistent with that Act.

d)        Determines that the special consultative procedure, in accordance with the Local Government Act 2002, be used as part of the process to make the proposed Trade Waste Discharge Plan 2026 and proposed Trade Waste Bylaw 2026.

e)        Approves the draft proposed Trade Waste Discharge Plan 2026 at Attachment A, the draft proposed Trade Waste Bylaw 2026 at Attachment B and the draft Statement of Proposal at Attachment C to be notified for public consultation.

f)         Authorises the Chief Executive to make any minor editorial changes to the proposed Trade Waste Discharge Plan 2026, proposed Trade Waste Bylaw 2026 and the Statement of Proposal prior to consultation opening.

Motion carried (CNL/2026/121)

 

Cr Lee Vandervis left the meeting at 11:59 a.m.

9          Draft Local Alcohol Policy

 

A report from Corporate Policy provided an update on the Stage Two engagement of the review of the DCC’s Local Alcohol Policy (LAP), and sought approval for formal consultation on a Draft LAP.

 

The General Manager Corporate and Regulatory Services (Paul Henderson), Manager Compliance Solutions (Bonnie Wright) and Senior Policy Analyst (Paul Cottam) spoke to the report and responded to questions.

 

Moved (Mayor Sophie/Cr Steve Walker)

 

That the Council:

 

             Adjourns the meeting for five minutes.

 

             Motion carried

 

 

The meeting adjourned at 12:21 p.m. and reconvened at 12:28 p.m. with a ruling on a Point of Order against Cr Benedict Ong.

 

Moved (Mayor Sophie/Cr Andrew Simms)

 

That the Council:

 

             Adjourns the meeting.

 

             Motion carried

 

The meeting adjourned at 12:32 p.m. Cr Benedict Ong left the meeting during the adjournment.

The meeting reconvened at 12:35 p.m.

 

Moved (Mayor Sophie Barker/Cr Andrew Simms):

 

That the Council:

 

a)         Notes the results of the Stage Two engagement for the Local Alcohol Policy Review

b)        Approves the Draft Local Alcohol Policy for public consultation using the Special Consultative Procedure subject to any amendment

c)         Adopts the attached Statement of Proposal for consultation subject to any amendment

d)        Notes that the Hearings Committee for the Local Alcohol Policy will be appointed at a future Council meeting.

Division

The Council voted by division

 

For:                 Crs John Chambers, Jo Galer, Christine Garey, Doug Hall, Marie Laufiso, Russell Lund, Mandy Mayhem, Andrew Simms, Mickey Treadwell, Steve Walker, Brent Weatherall and Mayor Sophie Barker (12).

Against:         Nil

Abstained:   Nil

 

The division was declared CARRIED by 12 votes to 0

 

             Motion carried (CNL/2026/122)

 

 

Moved  (Mayor Sophie/Cr Andrew Simms)

 

That the Council:

 

            Adjourns the meeting for 50 minutes.

 

            Motion carried

 

The meeting adjourned at 1:08 p.m. and reconvened at 2:00 p.m.

 

Cr Russell Lund and Mayor Sophie made an apology for absence and left the meeting during the adjournment.

 

Cr Andrew Simms assumed the Chair at 2:00 p.m. from Mayor Sophie.

 

 

10        Botanic Garden Plan 

The Item was withdrawn.

 

11        Future Development Strategy Implementation Plan update 2026

 

A report from City Development presented an update on the Future Development Strategy (FDS) Implementation Plan 2026.

 

General Manager Arts, Culture and Economic Development (Mike Costelloe), Project Director (Glen Hazelton) and Team Leader Planning (Emma Christmas) spoke to the report and responded to questions.

 

Emma Christmas advised of a correction to the report attachment, Table 7 of Future Development Strategy Implementation Plan (page 339 of the agenda), which omitted the 2026 updates for the 3 Waters section of the table .  She advised the table would be revised ahead of release of the Future Development Strategy Implementation Plan.

 

 

Moved (Cr Steve Walker/Cr Jo Galer):

That the Council:

 

a)         Notes the Future Development Strategy Implementation Plan 2026.

Motion carried (CNL/2026/123)

 

 

12        Proposed Event Road Closures

 

A report from Transport sought approval of temporary road closure for the George Street Mile event.

 

Moved (Cr Andrew Simms/Cr Mandy Mayhem):

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)     George Street Mile

Saturday, 12 September 2026

2.00pm to 7.00pm

·      The Octagon, entire area within Moray Place

3.00pm to 6.00pm

·      George Street, between Frederick Street and The Octagon

3.30pm to 6.00pm

·      Every side street along George Street, between The Octagon and Frederick Street

·      Bath Street will be exit only

 

 

Motion carried (CNL/2026/124)

 

 

13        Notice of Motion - Community Housing 

 

The Item was withdrawn.

 

 

Resolution to Exclude the Public

Moved (Cr Andrew Simms/Cr Mandy Mayhem):

 

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:

 

General subject of the matter to be considered

 

Reasons for passing this resolution in relation to each matter

Ground(s) under section 48(1) for the passing of this resolution

 

Reason for Confidentiality

C1  Confidential Council Action List Update

S7(2)(b)(ii)

The withholding of the information is necessary to protect information where the making available of the information would be likely unreasonably to prejudice the commercial position of the person who supplied or who is the subject of the information.

 

S7(2)(g)

The withholding of the information is necessary to maintain legal professional privilege.

 

S7(2)(h)

The withholding of the information is necessary to enable the local authority to carry out, without prejudice or disadvantage, commercial activities.

 

S7(2)(i)

The withholding of the information is necessary to enable the local authority to carry on, without prejudice or disadvantage, negotiations (including commercial and industrial negotiations).

S48(1)(a)

The public conduct of the part of the meeting would be likely to result in the disclosure of information for which good reason for withholding exists under section 7.

 

C2  Dunedin City Holdings Group - Director Appointment and Re-appointment

S7(2)(a)

The withholding of the information is necessary to protect the privacy of natural persons, including that of a deceased person.

S48(1)(a)

The public conduct of the part of the meeting would be likely to result in the disclosure of information for which good reason for withholding exists under section 7.

 

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/2026/125)

 

 

The public meeting closed at 2:22 p.m. and moved into Public Excluded session and 2:24 p.m.

 

 

 

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

MAYOR