Andrew Simms talks to Dunedin Stories about what led him to stand for Mayor of Dunedin in 2025
A Decision That’s Been Years in the Making
“It’s a big decision,” Andrew Simms says of putting his name forward for Mayor. “And it’s a decision that I haven’t taken lightly.”
Andrew traces the roots of that decision back to the 2020 lockdown, when he spent time walking around Taieri, reflecting on what was happening in the community and the direction Dunedin was heading.
“I spent a bit of time during the lockdown of 2020 walking around the Taieri and thinking about what was going on, and thinking about what we had, and also seeing the challenges in front of the community and the issues that I felt weren’t being dealt with effectively by the Council.”
From Taieri to Council
That period of reflection led Andrew to stand for the Mosgiel-Taieri Community Board in 2022, where he was elected and later appointed as Chair.
“I believe that I had the skills and the acumen, if you like, to make a difference to the whole community — not just for me and my family, but for the whole community. And that I did have a great deal to offer in that respect.”
A Worrying Direction
Andrew’s campaign is grounded in what he’s seen — decisions being made at Council that he doesn’t believe reflect the best interests of Dunedin.
“I saw decisions being made throughout Dunedin that I didn’t agree with, and I saw decisions being made that were effectively going to mortgage the future of Dunedin with the direction that things were going in.”
“And I still see us going in that direction.”
Watch the full episode of Dunedin Stories to hear more from Andrew Simms on his motivations, experience, and vision for Dunedin.
Authorised by Andrew Simms, andrew@simms.co.nz, 0274 346394
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