Kia ora Spokes whānau,
With the upcoming by‑election, this is an important opportunity to have your say on who will be joining the Dunedin City Council as our new councilor. As a community, Spokes wants to help you feel informed and ready to participate.
To support this, we’ve gathered responses from the candidates so you can understand their perspectives and priorities ahead of voting.
Spokes contacted all council candidates with the same set of questions and followed up twice after the initial outreach. Responses published reflect those received to date.
[!ai]
Focuses on the health and cost-saving benefits of cycling to combat obesity and rising fuel prices. Prioritises safety through proposed bylaws for compulsory high-visibility gear and helmets, alongside school-based education. Seeks to evaluate the connectivity and completion costs of existing infrastructure while tasking advocacy groups with increasing rider numbers and promoting cycle tourism.
To date money is the answer so what is the question
However as the owner and repairer of 4…
[!ai]
Advocates for a connected, separated cycle network and improved bus frequency to reduce car dependence and rising transport costs. Prioritises the completion of key links like the Tunnels Trail, safer intersections at the Gardens Corner, and more secure public bike parking. Demands better footpath maintenance, clearer pedestrian crossings, and the expansion of people-centric, green public spaces modeled after the George Street redevelopment.
Kia ora Devonia
Thanks for getting in touch…
[!ai]
Advocates for safer, quieter cycleway routes over high-pollution corridors; proposes investigating low patronage through better school and commuter links. Supports a multi-phase commuter rail network from Mosgiel and surrounding townships, alongside a walking and cycling bridge to connect the waterfront. Prioritises the maintenance of existing green spaces and biodiversity through native planting and pest control.
Kia Ora Devonia,
I and my partner are keen cyclists and we especially …
[!ai]
Prioritises safe, connected infrastructure—modelled on successful local shared paths—to ensure walking and cycling remain practical transport options. Advocates for better mapping of green spaces and integrating “people spaces” near bus stops and cycleways within new developments. Focuses on seamless connectivity to foster a more accessible, active Dunedin.
Good morning, thank you for the opportunity to make comment. I have answered under each question below:
I think it is important …
[!ai]
Promotes a practical transport network that accommodates Dunedin’s hills by integrating e-bikes and accessible options for ordinary users. Prioritises safety through the physical separation of road users on high-demand, functional routes. Commits to improving public spaces by listening to community needs and ensuring high standards for essential infrastructure like footpaths and crossings.
Hello and thank you for the email, here are some answers to your questions, I hope that covers yo…
[!ai]
Mixed position supporting harbor cycleways and tunnels trail but opposing George Street changes and Albany Street cycleway due to parking concerns. Supports loop bus and e-bike subsidies but prioritizes car parking retention. Shows disconnect between principle and practice.
AQ1 we need more frequent cheaper buses and I’d love to see a passenger rail service and car sharing. I would also love a free loop bus to travel up and down the Main Street. Ideally from the oval to the university…
[!ai]
Enthusiastic supporter of comprehensive active transport including passenger rail advocacy. Emphasizes benefits for all users including drivers through reduced congestion. Strongly supports extending George Street pedestrianization. Prioritizes accessibility and education for road users.
I believe that council should actively promote passenger rail, insist on better and more frequent bus services and work on initiatives to get people walking and cycling safely around the city! The ben…
[!AI]
Focuses on specific infrastructure projects like the Tunnel Trail and practical solutions like bikes-on-buses. His support for George Street upgrades and CBD loop buses shows some commitment to public spaces, but lacks explicit strategies for traffic calming, safety improvements, or increasing cycling among different user groups.
Allowing bikes on buses. The Tunnel trail between Mosgiel and Dunedin. Cycle storage in key locations.
A Coastal Connection, the Tunnel Trail and the Taier…
[!ai]
Explicitly opposes active transport advocacy, stating it’s not council’s role. Focuses solely on “basics” - roads, rubbish, water - while keeping rates low. Opposes borrowing for non-revenue projects.
Dunedin already offers a variety of scenic walking trails and beaches that cater to all fitness levels, where the local population can experience Dunedin’s stunning landscapes and rich animal biodiversity. Dunedin is the most scenic city in New Zealand and would be more pleasant to walk …
[!ai]
Shows strong vision for public transport transformation through institutional funding partnerships and commuter rail, with good potential for cycle tourism development. However, he lacks specific commitments to cycling infrastructure investment, traffic calming, pedestrianisation, or direct safety measures for cyclists and pedestrians.
Increase usage through better technology for paying and tracking buses. Have all University and Polytechnic students pay $100 (or so) within their year…
Bill Acklin
Lync Aronson
Lianna MacFarlane
Jo Galer
You can find the full list of candidate and standing councillor answers here:
We encourage everyone to take a moment to read through the responses and make the most of your chance to be involved in local decision‑making.
gosola
9 May 2026 20:19
2
Here is a Baxters Lefty Progressive voting guide which you may want to cast a glance over as well. Apologies I am so late to share.
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