Kia ora,
As Spokes Ōtepoti Dunedin, we’re excited to be increasing our visibility and building stronger connections with everyone who shares our passion for safer, more accessible active transport in this city.
One of the key actions from our AGM on 9 March was to launch a regular newsletter, so here it is! This is our very first edition, and we’re aiming to bring you a new issue every month.
Each newsletter will feature:
- Opportunities to have your say on current submissions
- Interesting articles and research on active transport
- Updates on key advocacy work
- Activities and events happening around Ōtepoti
The @committee will share this responsibility around, using our spokes.nz site to send it out and post it publicly. All @members are welcome to contribute (and are likely to be approached from time to time).
We’re looking forward to sharing this journey with you and continuing to grow a community that champions walking, cycling, and all forms of active transport in our wonderful little city.
Advocacy update
In February, Spokes, in collaboration with the Dunedin City Council, hosted the annual Bike Breakfast at the train station. Once again, the event was warmly received, bringing together riders from across the city to celebrate cycling and start the day together. It was great to see a the support for active transport in Ōtepoti:
Looking ahead to the May by-election, Spokes is again stepping up its advocacy work by asking council candidates about their views on active transport, cycling, and creating more liveable cities. We’ll be sharing candidate responses on our website to help voters better understand where candidates stand, and to support informed decision-making.
CanDo Conference
CANDo 2026, the intimate yearly cycling advocacy conference run by the Cycle Action Network was held in Auckland in late March. @NathanK attended as Spokes Dunedin’s representative. Here is his report:
Activities in April
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Coffee Outside (Every Second Saturday)
11th of April from 9.30am
@ the Dunedin Railway Station -
Spokes Social Meetup
13th of April, from 6pm
@ Inch Bar -
Wild Dunedin – Wild Ride
19th of April, from 10am
See for more info: wilddunedin.nz
Take Action in April:
Along with enjoying the autumn riding, we encourage you to share your voice on current local and national consultations. Every submission, short or long, helps shape a safer, more accessible Ōtepoti.
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Town Belt Active Travel Trial - Dunedin City Council
Closing 19th of April -
Taieri Mouth Road Speed Limit - Dunedin City Council
Closes 13th of April
Ōtepoti updates:
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Coastal Connection – Stage One is now open
Read more: Coastal Connection - Stage 1 Grand Opening — Dunedin Tracks & Trails -
Barn Dances Crossings
The DCC has updated their website with regards to the Barn Dance Page to include cyclists. More info: Crossing safety - Dunedin City Council
Community Spotlight:
This April, the Wild Dunedin Festival invites locals to celebrate the wild places and species that make our city unique. With a diverse programme of walks, talks, workshops, and hands-on activities, the festival showcases the incredible biodiversity right on our doorstep.
A highlight is the Wild Ride (19 April), a fun, social way to experience Dunedin’s natural environment on two wheels. It’s a great opportunity to learn, connect with local conservation groups, and be inspired to care for our city’s natural environment.
Interesting reads:
Support Spokes Ōtepoti Dunedin
If you value the work we do advocating for safer, more inclusive active transport, consider supporting us or getting involved. To connect with us, simply sign up to spokes.nz. To become a true supporter, join as a financial member.
Together, we can keep building a healthier, more liveable Ōtepoti Dunedin.
