Ollie Charlesworth would like to execute a "democratic coup" by engaging with the many people who do not traditionally vote in council elections and harnessing their power at the ballot box.
There was frustration in the community, which was "ready for a complete reset", he said.
"My mission is to open democracy to fresh DNA, by putting myself and a majority of new candidates in council in October," he said.
"We’re looking to ignite interest in democracy."
To that end, Mr Charlesworth plans to set up a spoof reality show comprising a dozen people who would be "our council in exile".
There would be a casting call, he said.
He also described it as a roundtable for debate.
Mr Charlesworth said feedback from the community was "the entire council needs to go".
He described it as "anti-youth" and said the draft nine-year plan was "designed not to be read".
There was no accountability about debt, he said.
Mr Charlesworth has a degree in ecology, marine science and environmental management from the University of Otago and he is a surfer and musician.
He wanted to see layers of bureaucracy slashed and a sale of what he called "non-performing assets", such as the stadium, to reduce debt.
He also wanted petitions, referendums and surveys, to promote accountability on council spending.
Dunedin should be a "productive city, focused on growth and development, and a desirable place to live".
