Dunedin's known history dates back as far as 1100 AD with the arrival of Māori to the area and archaeological evidence points to a lengthy occupation by Māori prior to the arrival of Europeans
History
Dunedin's known history dates back as far as 1100 AD with the arrival of Māori to the area and archaeological evidence points to a lengthy occupation by Māori prior to the arrival of Europeans. The province and region of Otago takes its name from the Ngai Tahu village of Ōtākou at the mouth of the harbour.
Dunedin's wildlife drew European settlers to the area; It is not known exactly when sealers entered the harbour, however Māori oral tradition puts it sometime before 1810. By the late 1830s Otago Harbour had become an international whaling port.
Perched on the rim of an ancient volcano - the last eruptive phase ended over ten million years ago - Dunedin is the oldest city in New Zealand and still retains many of its historical buildings. Its name comes from Dùn Èideann, the Scottish Gaelic name for Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland. In Māori it is referred to as Ōtepoti.
The city itself was established in 1848 by the Lay Association of the Free Church of Scotland. A gold rush in the Otago province during the 1860s caused Dunedin’s population, and wealth, to increase dramatically; it was for several years New Zealand’s largest and most prosperous city. During the 20th century the city's growth slowed significantly, leaving behind a rich tapestry of Edwardian and Victorian architectural heritage. The Dunedin Railway Station, built in the Edwardian Baroque style, is Dunedin's most famous monument to its Golden Days, and New Zealand's most photographed building.
The University of Otago, New Zealand’s oldest, was founded in Dunedin in 1869, and since then students have made a major contribution to the city’s unique character.
Dunedin now
For a city of its size, Dunedin is relatively easy to get around, regardless of what time of the day it is. It has very accessible recreational and cultural venues, great shopping, supermarkets, restaurants, as well as first-rate health care and education.
The latest estimated resident population figures, released by Stats NZ, showed Dunedin's population had jumped by 1,500 people, or 1.1%, to 134,600 in the year to June 2023. For the latest demographic analysis, visit Infometrics Dunedin City Regional Economic Profile.
If you are visiting Dunedin and want ideas about what to see and do, if you are thinking about moving here for work or to study, if you would like to set up a business or invest here, if you want to run a conference or event, or if you have a local business and want to build your connections and capacity, talk to us. We have experts in all these areas and we’re here for you.
Dunedin City Census Profile
Infometrics Dunedin City Census profile enables you to analyse the population characteristics of your community, understand how they have changed over time and how they compare to other areas.The profile presents Stats NZ Census data from the 2006, 2013, 2018 and 2023 Census. This data is presented in easy-to-use tables, charts, maps and commentary covering a wide range of Census questions.
The profile answers the majority of frequently asked socio-demographic questions and assists Council, the general public, students, community groups, organisations, business and investors to become more informed about the community.
Visit Infometrics Dunedin City Census Profile now to learn more.
Democracy and governance
The Dunedin City Council comprises a Mayor and 14 Councillors – elected every three years. The Council is responsible for governance of the city and setting its future direction to meet our vision: Dunedin is one of the world’s great small cities. The Council provides a wide range of services and facilities for residents and visitors to the city. These include roads, rubbish and recycling, stormwater, wastewater, water supply, economic development, community housing, environmental health, civil defence, animal services, public toilets, cemeteries, parks and reserves, streetlights, playgrounds, sportsgrounds, swimming pools, walking tracks, gardens. It also funds these major facilities - Dunedin Public Libraries, Dunedin Centre, Dunedin Botanic Garden, Dunedin Chinese Garden, Olveston, Dunedin Public Art Gallery, Forsyth Barr Stadium, Moana Pool, Edgar Stadium, Dunedin Ice Stadium, Otago Museum and Toitū Otago Settlers Museum.
Dunedin City has six community boards. Each board is comprised of six members, plus one councillor that is appointed by the City Council. The community boards’ follow the same election cycle as the Council and are elected every three years.
The role of the boards is to provide advice to the Council on matters affecting their communities and to advocate for the interests of their communities. Community Boards may make submissions to the Council and other organisations on matters affecting the Community Board.
The Dunedin City Council is required under local government legislation to provide essential services and facilities to the city of Dunedin. The Resource Management Act requires us to manage the city's natural environment, including the land, water, resources and coast, in a sustainable manner.
The Council seeks to promote well-being and improve the quality of life of residents and visitors through delivery of these obligations.
Where is Dunedin?
Visit Dunedin
For more information on visit, study, doing business, live and work in Dunedin, visit DunedinNZ website (link to external website, open in new window)