Dunedin's vulnerability to peak oil - the point at which global oil production is reached and begins to decline - is to be studied by a visiting Christchurch academic over the next week.
Dr Susan Krumdieck, from EAST Research Consultants at the University of Canterbury, has been commissioned by the Dunedin City Council to carry out the study.
The project will partner an earlier examination of the likely impact of climate change, carried out for the council by University of Otago Emeritus Professor of Geography Blair Fitzharris.
Council acting transportation planning manager Sarah Weller said as part of the study key businesses and members of the public would be surveyed on their travel habits, private fuel consumption, vehicle dependence and the effect of petrol prices on daily lives.
Dr Krumdieck and a team of researchers - including Dr Bob Lloyd, from the University of Otago's Department of Physics - will hold a series of public survey sessions in Dunedin, beginning at Weavers Retreat in Mosgiel on Thursday.
Further sessions will be held at the University of Otago Union building on Friday, at the Dunedin Public Art Gallery from Saturday until next Tuesday, as well as at the Dunedin City Council offices next Monday.
A report on the project outlining the challenges and opportunities is expected to be completed for the council later this year.
