Submission
9 year plan feedback
Should we remove 231 Stuart Street (formerly the Fortune Theatre) from the list of strategic assets in the DCC Significance and Engagement policy?
Yes, remove 231 Stuart Street from the list of strategic assets (this is our preferred option)
Do you have any comments about 231 Stuart Street?
Kia ora, and thank you for reviewing this submission. On the topic of the former Fortune Theatre, I'd like to bring awareness to the overall theatre scene and it's remaining venues to the council's attention. While 231 Stuart Street is no longer in a state to be used, even if significant renovations were made, there is currently no direct replacement or alternative.
While the council has made some efforts to support local theatre and the Dunedin performing arts scene by introducing Te Whare o Rukutia, under the management of the Dunedin Fringe Arts Trust, the threat of this venue being closed by the DCC is problematic. Personally, my background is in the event technology and management sector, as the owner of Cue-Go Ltd, a lighting and audio-visual company. Over the past few years I've been heavily involved in the Dunedin theatre scene, in a number of different capacities, including as a board member for the DCTT (Dunedin Collaborative Theatre Trust, operators of the New Athenaeum Theatre). Since the $17m (which was meant to fund a new performing arts venue) has been reallocated, despite Stage South's best attempts to provide the council with two well thought-out solutions, I am left wondering what the council's direction is for Dunedin's performing arts scene. While we can all agree that no one wants to see another venue head down the same road as the Fortune, the reality is that a lot of the current venues are. Included in this are the Mayfair, Playhouse and the New Athenaeum Theatre, all of which have been barely surviving on bare-bones funding for a long time, to the point where we risk losing ALL venues in the region. I'm not entirely convinced the council is aware of the severe consequences this would have on the Dunedin community, it's economy and the many businesses that operate in these venues.
I ask the council to please consider the trickle-down effects this situation is having on local companies, particularly those working in the events industry. If the existing location of 231 Stuart Street is to be removed from the list of strategic assets, an alternative replacement should be offered for the practicing performing arts professionals in Dunedin. We're risking losing Dunedin's best practitioners to other cities where this infrastructure is established and functional.
Should we charge an entry fee of $20 (incl. GST) for international visitors aged 16 and over, at Toitū and Dunedin Public Art Gallery?
Yes, introduce an entry fee of $20 (incl. GST) (this is our preferred option)
Do you have any comments about the entry fee for international visitors?
Not to this topic.
Is there anything else you would like to tell us?
I am writing this submission to express my support to the Dunedin startup ecosystem, in particular the services that Startup Dunedin offers to the city. Dunedin is at a precipice for establishing itself as the most attractive place in the country to start up - a vibrant tertiary sector, a great lifestyle and the ease of starting up and doing business. To do this we need the foundational support and connectivity of Startup Dunedin, the network of the organisation and connectivity it brings to the national ecosystem.
By supporting founders and early-stage businesses, it cultivates the next generation of local employers and helps attract and retain talented people in Dunedin. A thriving startup ecosystem not only creates jobs but also energizes our economy, supports students and graduates, and brings fresh ideas into our communities. As a startup founder, and having been through the Startup Dunedin programs myself (including the DCC's funded The Distiller Incubator), I can attest to the quality of services that the team provides. Not only have I had the opportunity to gain key insights from the organisation's business mentors, my business has also been given the opportunity to occupy a small office space in the building while being part of the Distiller program. This exceptional support is one of the primary reasons that the business has been able to grow as fast as it has, which in turn means that we've been able to contribute to Dunedin's local economy.
I can't begin to express how important Startup Dunedin has been for so many entrepreneurs. Having worked inside the building for the past year, I've seen so many happy faces, enthusiastic Audacious cohorts, and a number of fascinating guest speakers. Startup Dunedin is, arguably, one of the biggest economic development assets the city has, and it should fight to retain it and all of it's programs.
Investing in Startup Dunedin is an investment in the city's long-term future. As we plan for the next decade, it’s essential we back initiatives that drive sustainable growth, create opportunities, and help Dunedin remain vibrant, diverse, and future-focused.
Local Water Done Well feedback
Which water services delivery model do you support?
The Council’s preferred option: an in-house delivery model
Why did you choose this option?
After reviewing the DCC's 9-year plan, I have full faith in the council's ability to identify the issues and fix them accordingly.
Do you have any other feedback related to the proposed water services delivery models?
Not at this time.
Supporting information
No associated documents with this submission.
Submitter
Submission id number: 1132585
Submitter name:
Josh Wiegman
Organisation
Cue-Go Limited