[!ai]
Qualified support that prioritizes fixing existing infrastructure before expansion. She supports completing missing links and safety improvements but emphasizes fiscal responsibility and targeted rather than blanket measures.
Kia ora Devonia
Thanks for reaching out and the well considered questions put forward.
I support safe walking, cycling and public transport but not at the expense of fixing what’s broken first which is top priority.
Born and raised here, I believe the city has made big strides in safety in recent years and Ōtepoti Dunedin feels far safer for walking (and as I understand from listening to the community cycling too) than it used to be. The focus now must be on affordable and targeted improvements that can make a difference while keeping the bulk of our resources for urgent priorities like stormwater upgrades, roading maintenance and replacing unsafe council owned housing.
It is not my original vision but having a city where people can choose to walk bike or bus because it is convenient and safe not because they are forced into it is the ideal. I support completing missing cycleway links improving footpaths and making public transport more reliable through advocacy to ORC.
- Finish incomplete projects like the harbour cycleway and ensure they connect properly into the city which is already funded and underway
- Upgrade footpaths and crossings where they are clearly unsafe or heavily used, especially near schools and high use zones
- Provide secure bike parking in key locations (which is unfortunately necessary)
These investments are important but must be delivered efficiently and at the right scale to be fit for purpose now and in the future.
Public spaces should be safe welcoming and accessible with investment that is proportionate and well targeted. That means targeted traffic calming where there is proven safety risk not blanket measures.
The Octagon needs a glow-up to become again a flexible and welcoming space. We cannot afford an expensive redesign for the sake of it but we can make it beautiful again.
Ngā mihi