The Dunedin City Council has adopted its 9 year plan for 2025–2034.
We have carefully considered a plan that reflects our people and our city. Investment comes at a cost, and we’ve worked hard to strike the right balance and keep rates affordable while still meeting our responsibilities.
The final plan prioritises key services like:
- Drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater
- Roads and footpaths
- Core infrastructure that keeps our city running
9 year plan 2025-34 (new window, 12.3MB)
Community consultation results
During consultation, we asked for feedback on:
- The future of 231 Stuart Street
- Entry charges for international visitors
The consultation also invited general feedback on the draft 9 year plan. We received 801 submissions through online forms, emails, and letters. In total, 136 individuals and groups spoke at the 9 year plan hearings.
The future of 231 Stuart Street
In the draft 9 year plan, the following options were presented on this topic:
- Option 1: Revise the DCC Significance and Engagement Policy by removing ‘231 Stuart Street’ from the Policy’s list of strategic assets
- Option 2: Keep ‘231 Stuart Street’ on the DCC Significance and Engagement Policy’s list of strategic assets
What we heard
Community submission results showed 65% preferred option 1, and 35% preferred option 2. We heard different recurring themes from both sides, including:
- Some of those that preferred Option 1 also supported the property being sold. There were comments that the property is not fit-for-purpose as a theatre.
- Some of those that preferred Option 2 thought the property could be revitalised for use as a theatre, community space or arts hub.
- Submitters on both sides expressed a desire for Council to protect the property from potential demolition.
Council decision
The Council adopted Option 1, revising the DCC Significance and Engagement Policy by removing ‘231 Stuart Street’ from the Policy’s list of strategic assets, giving Council the flexibility to consider the future of 231 Stuart Street, including the possibility of a sale, without requiring formal consultation.
Entry charges for international visitors
In the draft 9 year plan, the following options were presented on this topic:
- Option 1: Introduce an entry charge of $20 (incl. GST) for international visitors aged 16 and over at Toitū and DPAG
- Option 2: No entry fee to Toitū and DPAG for international visitors
What we heard
Community submission results showed 59% preferred option 1, and 41% preferred option 2. We heard different recurring themes from both sides, including:
- Submitters felt the proposed entry fee was too high
- Some who preferred Option 1 referred to paying entry fees overseas and felt that international visitors to Dunedin should do the same
- Some who preferred Option 2 felt that charging an entry fee to international visitors was unwelcoming and inconsistent with the principle of manākitaka.
- Submissions also included comments around the modest projected revenue, which was not seen as worth the difficulty in administrative effort to collect the proposed fee.
Council decision
The Council adopted Option 2, no entry fee to Toitū and DPAG for international visitors. Even though the majority of submissions voted for Option 1, Council carefully considered arguments on both sides and felt that the reasons for not charging an entry fee were more compelling than the reasons given by those supporting it. Instead, updated signage relating to donations will be implemented.
What’s been funded
Council considered all submissions and made funding decisions based on community feedback and priorities. Key initiatives include:
- Retaining the Taieri Gorge Railway. Council proposed to restore funding to Dunedin Railways Limited so it can fully reinstate the Taieri Gorge railway train excursions. The majority of submitters on this topic were in support of funding rail services, emphasising the importance of rail for tourism.
- Edgar Centre roof replacement. While this was not a consultation topic, community submissions raised the need to replace the Edgar Centre roof due to ongoing issues with the current roof.Council approved capital expenditure to undertake detailed design and replace the roof.
- Smooth Hill landfill. Council reconfirmed its decision to allocate $92.4 million to build a landfill at Smooth Hill. This reconfirmation was based on several factors, including:
- While short-term costs may be higher than alternative options, long-term forecasts indicate significantly lower overall costs.
- Independent consultants conducted a comprehensive analysis of three short-listed options, supported by additional assessments carried out over many years.
- The resource consent including conditions designed to manage environmental impacts.
- Zero Carbon. There was strong community support for investing in infrastructure and network improvements for pedestrians, cyclists and public transport. Council voted to fund these transport projects that will help emissions reduction.
- Performing Arts. There was strong community support for a new performing arts venue. Council approved the following:
- Establishment of a Performing Arts Governance Group to oversee the development of a Theatre Action Plan
- Grant funding for renovations of the Playhouse Theatre and the Athenaeum
- Seed funding for a new performing arts facility
- Grant funding for the running of Te Whare o Rukutia.
While not every decision was unanimous, each funded project was approved by a majority vote.