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Demonstrates moderate support for active transport with focus on accountability and community partnerships. Emphasizes working with groups like Spokes and supporting teenage cycling to school. Neutral on major infrastructure spending, preferring community-led development. Shows gaps in addressing specific safety issues like Portsmouth Drive or speed reductions.
Hi Devonia
Answers below 
Apologies, potentially some rambling! But I’m sure you’ll be able to pull something out of it.
Let me know if anything is unclear - I’m happy to have a chat about any of it
I believe our vision of ‘a great small city’ is a good one - and actually the Integrated Transport Strategy of 2013 is sound. There are 5 areas of focus identified which formed the basis of a 10 year plan. There is also the commitment to review the Integrated Transport Plan every 5 years.
Unfortunately, there is no information available on the DCC website, nor Council agenda’s in relation to the outcomes of any 5 year reviews, nor detail around the next 10 year strategic action plan.
My mission, if elected to Council, is to consistently ask 3 questions of staff.
- Where is the transparency/accountability.
- Where is the partnership/the support
- Are we achieving value for the rate payer?
Specifically in relation to achieving an increase in active transport use I will be
- consistently asking for accountability of all budget spend against our strategic vision. Has the vision of the Integrated transport strategy changed? this work is identified as a priority correct?
- advocating for building partnerships with the likes of Spokes, The Dunedin Tracks and Trails Network, The Dunedin Tunnels Trust. Queenstown Lakes District Council has paid very little for their Queenstown Network - they have enabled and supported community development of the assets. Has there been any community involvement/contribution to the development of Te Aka Otakou? Our people know our city, the know the problems, they can help create the solutions. They just need to be asked.
- Top priorities for ‘on-road’ cycleways getting to and from the CBD should identified in partnership with community. I do not believe existing cycleways (eg. on the one-way system) are safe for cyclists of advanced competence, let alone novice riders.
- Low cost 'improvments can be made by encouraging and supporting teenages to cycle/walk/bus to school. Our Youth are a critical population for building change in population behaviour into the future and a move toward active transport. Example - working directly with schools to develop key routes - and not insisting students must cycle to school in full school uniform (!)
- Facilitating the development of ‘off-road shared use’ trails by community-led organisations such as the Dunedin Tracks Network Trust will also be a priority for me.
I’m not averse to walking a block or two to reach a traffic-calmed George street, and I believe many hold a similar position. The main street is looking good, but I don’t think we’ve entirely achieved the complete package in relation to creating a vibrant George Street. In reality, if we are creating a traffic-calm area and dissuading the population from the ‘run in and purchase’ (rather hoping people will go to town for an occasion) then entertainment, music and vibrancy is required. This should not be at additional cost, but could be achieved via partnerships with local businesses, schools, iwi, cultural groups and the likes.
In terms of accessibility to public spaces, I’ve not been involved in many of these conversations of late, but in alignment with my general priorities, partnerships with those operating in the disability sector will ensure issues are raised and can be addressed. I imagine considerations such as parking fees, public safety, and footpath/intersection quality (along with shelter from wind rain !) need to be given adequate consideration.
Nga mihi | Regards
Sarah
Sarah Davie-Nitis
Candidate for DCC Councillor 2025