Voters have a large field of candidates to choose from for the 14 councillor positions at the Dunedin City Council.
Question 1 How should your council balance the need for infrastructure spending with concerns about rates rises?
Question 2 How do you envisage working with others in council — especially those who don’t agree with you?
Mayoral candidates Sophie Barker, Jules Radich, Pamela Taylor, Mandy Mayhem, Lync Aronson, Andrew Simms, Lee Vandervis, Mickey Treadwell, Marie Laufiso, Lianna Macfarlane, David Milne, Doug Hall, Benedict Ong and Carmen Houlahan are also running for seat on council.
Bill Acklin
Age: 61
Occupation: Councillor
Q1: Infrastructure spending is the biggest cost to ratepayers, and given this is core council business it’s extremely important. The tough times people are facing at the moment means pulling back on other expenditure is the most obvious way to find a balance.
Q2: Respect, understanding and consideration. It is paramount that councillors play the ball, not the person. So long as elected members are focusing on what’s best for our residents, then we have to accept the outcome of the vote.
Lachlan Akers
Age: 25
Occupation: Events service provider
Q1: We need to be addressing the cost of living in Dunedin to make sure people can afford to live here, so I’m very sympathetic to the squeeze caused by increasing rates. It is essential that we avoid getting stuck in a state of reacting to issues continuously cropping up, and be proactive in maintaining our infrastructure and planning long term for costly upgrades to avoid unexpected financial shocks to future councils.
Q2: Having a diverse council means that conflict is inevitable, but personality conflicts and disagreements around council business are two different things and should be treated as such. Discussion and disagreements in policymaking, to a degree are good, as they are important to ensuring considered and effective policies are devised. I’d always be willing to sit down with fellow councillors for a cuppa to hash out policy differences and personality differences.
Tony Bennett
Age: 71
Occupation: Media studio manager
Q1: Carefully with well thought-through and accurate cost estimates and timing while planning to reduce rates by no unnecessary spending.
Q2: Co-operate respectfully, listening to all points of view and avoiding conflict; remain professional.
Rachel Brazil
Age: 52
Occupation: Lawyer
Q1: Choices around incurring unnecessary significant debt progressing Smooth Hill will reduce the ability to reduce rate rises. There are urgent issues re South Dunedin flooding, including Surrey St, the pollution issues with Kaikorai Valley stream and the Ocean Grove stormwater concerns. It makes no sense to commit to millions of dollars to build Smooth Hill and pass this on through huge rate increases.
Q2: I am fully committed to working with both ORC and DCC, irrespective of differing views. I want to ensure that instead of polarisation, that we find a way to work through these types of issues. I am committed to working and collaborating with people I don’t agree with. The community loses if everyone fights. It also slows progress down through majority votes being almost impossible.
Heike Cebulla-Elder
Age: 57
Occupation: Teacher of humanities, geography and languages
Q1: Our council needs to look after our local infrastructure. We cannot defer necessary investments for future generations. Sustainability and intergenerational responsibility demand from us to leave Ōtepoti in a better position for our tamariki. I believe in investigating different approaches to rating to reflect a social contract by redistributing wealth within our community and support LGNZ approaches to the central government for new funding tools such as a regional infrastructure fund.
Q2: I am a strong supporter of building kotahitanga across the council table; in fact, I hope that the council will consist of people with diverse backgrounds, opinions and experiences. Additionally, I want to listen to everyone with an open mind — to find common ground where possible and to stand up where necessary.
John Chambers
Age: 69
Occupation: Retired doctor
Q1: Ratepayers have real concerns about future rises and so do central government. I think the new council will be duty-bound to reduce planned increases and revise infrastructure spending. This may mean bringing forward vital works such as in South Dunedin and deferring or delaying other plans we cannot afford. Other sources of income including from investments need maximised. In particular ensuring dividends from profitable council-controlled organisations are paid.
Q2: It is likely councillors will disagree with each other on some issues and it is important that debate is conducted with civility and respect. In addition councillors must respect officials, who have a difficult job preparing and presenting papers and reports. A good meeting chair allows all a fair hearing. A sign of success as a councillor will be persuading some who hold differing views to change their mind.
Sarah Davie-Nitis
Age: 47
Occupation: Business information manager
Q1: Ratepayer tolerance for rates increases should inform the budget available, and this budget sets the parameters within which infrastructure spending must be contained. When the budget is set, projects need to be prioritised to reflect genuine need, long-term infrastructure planning and community support. Partnerships with central government and local industry are vital to making every dollar count. Accountability is also critical with robust oversight to ensure work is delivered within budget.
Q2: I’m grounded, respectful and have a proven track record of working with a variety of people for the benefit of the community. As elected representatives of Dunedin’s diverse population, our role is to bring different perspectives to the council table. I will listen to the views of others, actively indulge in healthy discussion and debate the merits of conflicting ideas. Sometimes, a compromise may be advantageous; other times, I’ll agree to disagree and vote accordingly.
Rose Finnie
Age: 27
Occupation: Admin support and support worker
Q1: While the mass financial hardship is a reflection of wider systemic issues, council has responsibility for the wellbeing of our people. Rates concerns can be alleviated when people see delivery of liveable infrastructure. E.g. accessible infrastructure (kerb cuts, healthy footpaths, better bus stops) benefits everyone regardless of disability. If we don’t invest in our city now, it creates a more expensive and laborious problem to fix later; while ignoring the wellbeing of our people now.
Q2: I enjoy working collaboratively and am willing to learn from others. Disagreements are natural and when constructive, may reflect a healthy democracy. With those I disagree with, I would start by focusing on our commonalities to build trust and rapport so we can have a healthy and respectful debate. I hope to find a shared goal in the wellbeing of our city. When appropriate, compromise may be an option for council agreement, but I would never compromise my values and will fight for justice.
Jo Galer
Age: 58
Occupation: Communications and marketing manager
Q1: Infrastructure spending is the priority for new pipes and roading etc. However, contracts for large capital expenditure need to be gone through again to check where savings can be made, and also tendering has afforded best value. If there are staff with these skills, or there is local expertise, we should use it. The second aspect is job proliferation, and spending not required. While expenditure on non-capex may be smaller, it’s like coffees every day, the costs can balloon.
Q2: I will try to influence in a respectful and evidence-based way. I will look for common ground where there is a difference in views. My negotiation skills are proven following several wins and "saves" of heritage buildings in Dunedin in recent years. It works to be firm, friendly but determined in your resolve. I always believe where there is a will, there is a way.
Christine Garey
Age: 69
Occupation: City councillor
Q1: The need for the infrastructure spend is determined largely by government legislation (e.g. Local Water Done Well) and the need for future resilience. In the nine-year plan water, roading and waste combined make up 56% of operating and 86% capital spend. The only mechanisms to pay for this are through rates/debt. It’s a difficult balance, arrived at through the long-term plan, after extensive community engagement. Strong advocacy to government is needed regarding to secure other funding mechanisms.
Q2: I’ll continue to be collegial and professional while remaining true to my values. I’ll attend workshops and briefings to ensure I’m well informed and able to make evidence-based decisions. I’ll come to the council table with an open mind, ready to listen to all points made in debate. I’ll continue to adhere to standing orders and I will support new councillors as they "learn the ropes".
Kevin Gilbert
Age: 52
Occupation: City councillor
Q1: I see infrastructure investment as non-negotiable for Dunedin’s long-term wellbeing — but the way we plan, communicate and phase it can make the difference between a sustainable city and unsustainable rates. Prioritising essential projects, taking into consideration phasing options, and focus on spending as little as we can but where we have to. I would also encourage a review of existing contracts and their renewals. If we do that, we can deliver progress without unfair rate burdens.
Q2: I believe that different views make decisions stronger. It is about understanding where the differences lie, listening to other positions and respectfully debating the issue. You need to focus on evidence and outcomes rather than personalities. At the end of the day, democracy wins out. If eight or more people agree, whether you do or not, that is the democratic way. Collaboration, even with those who disagree with you, is essential to deliver for our community.
Jett Groshinski
Age: 22
Occupation: Executive member of Otago University Students’ Association
Q1: We need to address critical infrastructure spending, especially around ageing water systems, which will mean facing some rates rises. The challenge is ensuring this doesn’t come from cutting services that our most vulnerable rely on. Council must prioritise essential projects, borrow responsibly and push for government co-funding. With clear priorities and transparency, we can invest in the future while protecting those who need support most.
Q2: Council isn’t about individual egos, it’s about the people we represent. I’ll work constructively with others, even when we disagree. Collaboration doesn’t mean abandoning principles — it means finding the best path for the community. I’ll stand firm on fairness and protecting the vulnerable while seeking common ground where it delivers progress. Dunedin deserves a council that works together to get results.
Robert Hamlin
Age: 64
Occupation: University lecturer
Q1: I do not believe that there is "balance" to be struck here between stable rates and essential infrastructure that is adequate and well maintained. Both can be delivered at the same time, and were up until 2002. Since then, this council has spent large amounts on non-core activities and excessive amounts to procure both essential and non-essential items. The fact that a bill of more than $60,000 to design a seesaw was presented to, and paid by, the council sums up its problems perfectly.
Q2: It is essential that issues are separated from personalities in any discussion, and that discussions remain urbane. As an elected body unanimity within the council is neither necessary nor is it desirable. People are usually elected to represent certain constituencies within a diverse society — there will inevitably be differences of opinion and perspective. As long as a majority can be formed within council, then it is not dysfunctional. You discuss — you vote — you win/lose — you move on.
Karl Hart
Age: 61
Occupation: Stay-at-home dad, PHD candidate (paused)
Q1: Stop spending on non-essential projects and get back to core business that benefits the citizens. I have an issue with beautification projects that take funds that could be better allocated to water, roads and drainage.
Q2: I come from a tradition of teamwork on the wharves, military and theatre. Even if you disagree, you must, after discussion, abide by majority consensus. The show must go on.
Jarrod Hodson
Age: 56
Occupation: Commercial manager, community board member
Q1: Rates are a major concern for most Dunedin communities and I’m not going to say we would stop them from rising, that is not possible, but I will say we will do everything possible to lower wasteful speeding and focus on essential maintenance and infrastructure to lower the impact of possible rates rises into the future for the city’s residents. We need to get back to core basics ...
Q2: Working with other city councillors and all city council staff for that matter is essential, I will go out of my way to understand why I may disagree with others and listen to them we all have different opinions and views and it’s how we handle them in order to come out with the very best outcomes for the people of Dunedin that matters. My motto is to listen then listen more.
Marita Johnson
Age: Not supplied
Occupation: Kaitiaki
Q1: Infrastructure is an ongoing issue, and will need constant maintenance, to keep cost down, keeping it local, look at how finance is being spent and what is not important.
Q2: You have been voted in by the people, so personality issues should be kept to one side. If not, then resorting to mediation, to solve the problems. Preferences being you are there to do a job, and not waste ratepayers’ money.
Anthony Kenny
Age: 59
Occupation: Business owner
Q1: Council must prioritise essential infrastructure while protecting ratepayers from constant increases. Act supports GST-sharing with councils to fund infrastructure fairly, so costs don’t just fall on local ratepayers. Where borrowing is needed, it should be strictly tied to infrastructure improvements, not day-to-day spending, ensuring accountability and real value for money.
Q2: As council candidates, we don’t choose who is at the table, but we can choose not to flip it over. I’ll bring respect, constructive debate and a focus on real solutions for Dunedin. Councillors are elected to make evidence-based decisions and be accountable to ratepayers. Act Local backs this focus, with independence, accountability and civility to ensure council stays functional and delivers efficiently.
Anna Knight
Age: 46
Occupation: Translator
Q1: Infrastructure costs are baked into our nine-year plan and are the sad reality of maintenance and upgrades being put off in the past. That cannot continue. But given the cost-of-living crisis, rates must be kept reasonable, so we must make tough choices. The key is ensuring they are solutions we can all live with, through community engagement: the mooted new gallery entry fee or parking charged on Sundays? Up to you.
Q2: Collaboration is crucial. I do have mentors and friends among the progressive incumbents, particularly through my advocacy for Palestinians and support of Zero Carbon 2030. For the others, rest assured that I’m a fair, open-minded person, who loves robust debate. I don’t shrink from a fight and can advocate passionately but also listen with empathy. Work with staff will not overstep our governance role, while remaining results-driven for our community.
Richard Knights
Age: 53
Occupation: Real estate licensee
Q1: I think that it’s extremely important that people understand exactly what their rates are being spent on and why, especially when rates increase. If people can clearly see the reasoning behind the money being spent, then they can also be comfortable with the expenditure itself. I’ve always been of the view that the council needs to get better at explaining its "why?" to the ratepayer and I would work on making sure that this happened.
Q2: Being successful at council means ensuring that you have enough consensus to move ideas forward. I’ve always been able to put my own arguments forward in a way that allows people to understand that what I am saying stacks up logically. A good idea is a good idea, whoever it comes from, and I’ve never had any issues supporting good ideas from people that I might not be personally or politically aligned to.
Cherry Lucas
Age: Not supplied
Occupation: Deputy mayor of Dunedin
Q1: Council must address years of under-investment in core infrastructure while being mindful of ratepayers’ ability to pay. Essential services must take priority over "nice to haves". Intergenerational assets can be responsibly funded through debt, but with rising costs like insurance and power, some rate increases are unavoidable. Our role is to ensure spending is disciplined, focused and delivers long-term value for the community.
Q2: I have a proven record of working across the table in the best interests of the city. As deputy mayor, I was trusted to bring people together, regardless of views. A councillor is one of 15 votes, so progress relies on collaboration, influence and respect. I’m not here for ego or personal agendas, I’m here to deliver real, tangible outcomes for Dunedin and its people.
Russell Lund
Age: 61
Occupation: Builder and social housing developer
Q1: First: $300 million of capital spending needs to be deleted. These are: Smooth Hill and new waste transfer — $120m. Carbon Zero, Peninsula, Caversham tunnel cycleway — $120m. City property/stadium events — $60m.
Second: Council will instruct the CEO to make a minimum budget reduction of 5% and no cuts to public services. Dunedin has 860 staff, and a $461m budget. The Nelson council has 340 staff and a $192m budget — efficiencies are definitely achievable!
Q2: The reality is that there are always going to be people who will not agree on council. That’s the nature of politics and particularly so when we have Green and Labour party members on council who have pledged their allegiance to their party, not Dunedin. I will always be respectful and professional towards all councillors but in the end it’s a majority of like-minded councillors who will set the direction of the next council.
Jen Olsen
Age: 65
Occupation: Retired community support worker
Q1: We should ensure that sustainable infrastructure that can withstand the climate and ecological crisis is developed and maintained because failure to do so will simply result in increased costs in the future. People should be consulted in a citizens’ assembly process, that allows them to be fully informed and to decide what are the most important projects for Ōtepoti.
Q2: I will always take the time to listen to other views and try to find something that we have in common. I know that we all want the best for our city and I believe that we can reach a consensus or compromise if we take the time to consider each other’s views. This is going to be essential if we are to act effectively together on the climate and ecological crisis.
Jim O’Malley
Age: 61
Occupation: Scientist
Q1: During government reform in Three Waters the DCC decided to prepare the Three Waters system for the new standards. To do this the capital works programme increased three-fold and with that came a significant increase in debt. The system is more reliable and when the water bills are set Dunedin’s will be one of the lowest in the country. The effect of debt on rates is the interest paid. The interest on debt is 12% of total rates or $420 of a $3500 rates bill.
Q2: An effective council only works if all voices are heard and the councillors treat each other with respect. The Dunedin City Council is elected using STV. This gives a council that represents most of the political views held in the city, which are wide ranging. Each councillor approaches the issues with their own perspective. But we are councillors of the whole and must put the city’s interests first. The best outcomes are when differing views are heard and considered before we vote.
Hugh O’Neill
Age: 69
Occupation: Retired harbour pilot
Q1: DCC has been borrowing too much money and is now paying $1 million per week in interest. They are currently $660m in debt, set to rise to over $1 billion by 2029. If they were a business, they would be bankrupt. Fiscal responsibility is both a legal and a moral duty. These loans via LGFA must be cancelled or radically renegotiated. Spending must be brought under control: too many staff, external consultants and LGNZ agendas aligned with UN Agenda 2030.
Q2: Everyone in council, the mayor, CEO and every member of staff, need to act in unison. There is only one agenda and that is to fix the fiscal disaster.
Marian Poole
Age: 73
Occupation: Teacher, journalist, researcher — self-employed
Q1: Nobody wants rates rises but everyone wants the potholes fixed. What could be defined as "nice to haves" are necessities for sections of our society. Infrastructure and affordable dry, warm housing for all are necessities for our physical wellbeing. Performance venues, creative hubs and startup facilities are necessary for our mental wellbeing and benefit our city’s financial wellbeing. Both are investments. Budgeting priorities are choices made to benefit most.
Q2: I am happy to work alongside anyone who can maintain respectful and logical debate. I have always respected arguments which counter mine if they have a firm evidential basis after having sought, taken and acted on current expert advice. Anyone indulging in personality politics, grandstanding, bluster or being disagreeable for the sake of being disagreeable are simply wasting everyone’s time by exposing the weakness of their arguments.
Paul Pope
Age: 61
Occupation: Ecologist
Q1: Critical infrastructure and core council services should be the first priority for the city council. This may require prioritising projects appropriately over the the life of the long-term plan. The balance should, and priorities should, be found in council’s asset management plan.
Q2: As an experienced community board chairman for the last nine years I have worked with a range of people and organisations. This has its challenges, but is simply part of life in a leadership position. It’s clear that city councillors need to be far more collegiate and respectful of one another. That means having mature debate based on the overriding principle that you are there to represent the community and its needs. Not your personal ego or agenda.
Bruce Ranga
Age: 61
Occupation: Mentor, semi-retired.
Q1: Through better decisions, that means putting less urgent projects on hold, finding smarter and more cost-effective ways to design and deliver infrastructure and identifying real savings that don’t cut essential services.
Q2: By treating everyone with respect, honour and integrity.
Evelyn Robertson
Age: 36
Occupation: ECE kaiako
Q1: We need to lower rates through raising revenue not through cuts. Infrastructure maintenance and investment supports our local economy and makes our city thrive, cuts and austerity are starvation. If we grow in economic opportunities, investment and population rates burden is shared and rates goes down. If you want lower rates, vote for growth not austerity.
Q2: Through my work as a teacher and for Dunedin Pride, as well volunteering for student societies and the community marshals, I have experience and training in mediation, facilitation and maintaining professional working relationships. I strongly believe that it is the duty of councillors to represent, work with and advocate for all, not just the voices I agree with.
Daniel Rooney
Age: 42
Occupation: Ambulance paramedic
Q1: I am advocating for no further rates increases for the next three years. I don’t believe that people can afford rates to increase. With careful management we don’t need rates increases. I envisage a council with a "back to basics" approach. The focus of council spending must be on needs for all citizens. If projects are not financially viable then they shouldn’t go ahead. I support the sale of properties that are simply costing the city money (such as Sammy’s). We need to live within our means.
Q2: I acknowledge that not everyone will agree with me. Conflict on council can be healthy if it is issue-focused as it allows proper examination of issues and a balanced way forward. It becomes unhealthy if it becomes personal. I work in a high-pressure environment where there can be conflict. I am very good at finding a way forward, working with all people to try and find some common ground and get the best possible outcome for the many. I intend to bring these skills to council.
Conrad Stedman
Age: 54
Occupation: Real estate business owner
Q1: Make sure ratepayers’ money is spent on the items that must be done.
Q2: I can work with anyone. The governance table should have bold discussions as long as people respect that and walk away from the table and leave the discussions there. Questioning and asking is a requirement to get the best result for the city and its ratepayers.
Andrew Sutton
Age: 58
Occupation: Teacher
Q1: The DCC must focus on renewals over new builds, use a clear priority scorecard and maximise co-funding and development contributions so growth pays for growth. Apply targeted rates and user-pays, tighten procurement and set strict rates and debt guardrails — we cannot afford more debt. Fund only projects that cut long-term costs and protect essentials without unaffordable rates rises.
Q2: Council only works when people are willing to listen and collaborate. I’ll focus on respectful debate, looking for common ground and backing decisions with facts. Even if I disagree, I’ll treat colleagues fairly, avoid personal politics and work constructively so we reach outcomes that serve the whole city, not just one viewpoint.
Amy Taylor
Age: 38
Occupation: Community connector
Q1: Dunedin City Council should prioritise essential projects, seek government grants and partnerships, and improve operational efficiency to control rates rises. My main concern is for low-income groups, including beneficiaries and superannuitants, who are hit hardest by the cost-of-living crisis. Transparent communication and community engagement are key to ensure spending is targeted and supported.
Q2: Working effectively with others on council, including those who may disagree with me, requires respectful listening, open-mindedness and a focus on shared goals. I value diverse perspectives and believe in evidence-based discussions. Compromise is often necessary, and constructive dialogue is key to making balanced, inclusive decisions that serve all of Dunedin. There are issues with the current council’s ability to work constructively together. This needs to be resolved.
Sue Todd
Age: 73
Occupation: Antique dealer
Q1: The government has legislation going before Parliament to put core services back to the forefront of councils’ spend, which means there will be no more wasting ratepayers’ money, like putting a playground in our central business district. This move by government will curtail the desire to waste money on pet projects and start focusing the council on keeping our city moving.
Q2: I have two adult daughters and we often disagree with one another; however, we discuss or debate the issue and like grownups, we agree to compromise. I imagine like in business there would be times when there is a clash of personality, but that’s life — you sort it out and move on. I don’t believe it’s a problem for me.
Rebecca (Bex) Twemlow
Age: 48
Occupation: Business owner
Q1: Prioritise the essentials: safe water, reliable roads, flood protection (with haste) and spend smartly with open procurement processes with weight towards locals. Open the books so there is transparency where the money goes, deliver projects in stages (with accountability for achieving milestones) and share costs fairly so growth pays for itself without hammering ratepayers.
Q2: I am standing to get things done, not play personality games. I will listen, ask the hard questions and find common ground where we can. We won’t agree on everything, and that’s fine but will always keep the focus on innovative and cost-effective solutions that move Dunedin forward, not on who wins the argument.
Steve Walker
Age: 59
Occupation: Dunedin city councillor
Q1: Council’s primary job is about getting the basics right — water, roads, pavements, waste — where most current spending goes. In tough times, it’s imperative we keep investing in what makes Dunedin special: heritage, creative sector, liveability, natural environment. It’s also important we continuously look ahead and support what’s dear to our community — sports facilities, museums, transport choice, climate change, a NEW HOSPITAL! It’s about striking a balance today so future generations can thrive.
Q2: I see council as a place where strong views can co-exist, and where differences should enhance — not block — our decision-making. I’m never afraid to stand firm on my values, but I’ll always engage respectfully and look for practical solutions we can all agree on. Disagreement is commonplace in politics, but it shouldn’t get in the way of progress. Ultimately, Dunedin needs a council that works together for its community, even when members don’t always align.
Lily Warring
Age: 30
Occupation: Graphic designer
Q1: What’s important is to strategically choose where you invest your rates. You could spend them on take-out everyday, which will add up and cost you more in the long run, or you could buy the ingredients to create nourishing, sustainable meals that will feed you and your whānau for a long time. These ingredients won’t just feed you, but also friends and neighbours. It allows you the flexibility to create more with what you have and you’ll be able to cook tomorrow and next week, not just today.
Q2: Leading with an open mind and open ears is how you learn and evolve. Progress wouldn’t exist if we all had the same ideas; in fact diversity of opinion is an essential part of growth creating solutions. Council should work toward consensus building to ensure everyone has an opportunity to express concern and reservations without obstructing progress.
Brent Weatherall
Age: 61
Occupation: Owner Brent Weatherall Jeweller
Q1: Not only do we have to service the needs for our community but also the government’s. Hence the business model is broken and balance won’t be achieved until we can address our income. Government funding intervention will have to come and until it does maintaining just the basics will continue to outpace the affordability of ratepayers. We have to prioritise basic needs and shelve the glory projects until government delivers a sustainable business structure.
Q2: It’s all about the ability to respect. Given the amount of costly code-of-conduct complaints this last term the voting public will determine the style and direction of travel the city will take. Listening to opposing opinions is hard. Whether you stand under a banner or not, once elected groups do form where confidence and trust is built. Would I invite all around home for a few beers and a barbecue? Probably not.
Andrew Whiley
Age: 59
Occupation: City councillor
Q1: I recognise the financial pressures for our ratepayers but I support the Dunedin City Council’s long-term plan — invest over $2 billion in new city capital and infrastructure upgrades. Our city needs to be strong below and above ground for the future! In 2015-16 rates were 3.8% with $40 million spent on infrastructure. I support 8%-10% rate increasing if we are investing over $200m per year to future-proof our city. Yes, we also need more co-investment and funding from government.
Q2: Over 12 years I have worked well across the table with three mayors and many councillors, sharing ideas, viewpoints and seeing the bigger picture. Council is a team of 15, with the mayor the captain. A clear plan, acknowledging perspectives and working with others will get the best outcomes. Stop making issues personal, stick to key city items and work with staff and central government for better outcomes. All decisions need the majority, so good councillors work with and not fight the table.
Paul Williams
Age: 52
Occupation: Business owner — Wine Freedom
Q1: By always prioritising spending based upon the correct fiscal rationale and the intended return on investment. It may seem simple, but when making any decision with someone else’s money. That decision must be measured, have strong rationale for its need and clearly deliver a transparent "reason for being". Only an entity which is focused on delivering the best value for money towards the best investment available can build value and trust from our ratepayers.
Q2: Our residents deserve a cohesive, fiscally responsible, ambitious and an apolitical council. We need a group with the skills, experience and shared purpose to help Dunedin reach its potential. This will ensure we maximise the best return on our ratepayers’ precious contributions. I will always support common sense, accountability and what’s best for all of Dunedin. It is my hope and the residents’ right that we all will share similar values towards strengthening Dunedin’s future.
Cyndee Elder
Age: 42
Occupation: Director of Able Abodes Ltd
Q1: Invest wisely. That means prioritizing what protects people and place, like water, climate resilience, and core renewals, while pausing or reshaping non-essential projects. I support exploring fairer rating systems and alternative funding tools, but more than that, I believe in co-designing solutions with our communities. When people see the value, they’re more willing to be part of the journey.
Q2: I lead with respect and shared outcomes. Disagreement is healthy when it’s grounded in purpose. I’ll listen, reframe, and seek common ground, always focused on what we’re trying to protect and build together. Unity doesn’t mean uniformity; it means progress through principled collaboration.
Coming up this week
The responses from candidates for —
Tuesday: Clutha District Council
Wednesday: Queenstown Lakes District Council
Thursday: Invercargill City Council
