On 4 September 2025, Future Dunedin hosted our first Zoom Meeting Q&A with mayoral candidate Andrew Simms and our Dunedin City Council (DCC) candidates — Dr Amy Taylor, Andrew Sutton, Conrad Stedman, Bruce Ranga, and Rebecca (Bex) Twemlow.
This was an open community session. Questions came directly from Dunedin residents. The focus was clear: what are the key issues facing Dunedin right now, and how will Dunedin Mayoral and Councillor Candidate Andrew Simms and Future Dunedin Councillor Candidates deliver practical solutions at the DCC table.
Key Issues Discussed
- Restoring trust in the Dunedin City Council
Andrew Simms spoke about the need for stronger leadership, transparency, and fewer non-public meetings to rebuild trust between councillors, council staff, and the community. - South Dunedin flooding and resilience
Candidates highlighted the long-delayed action on the 2017 Opus report and called for urgent protection of South Dunedin residents and assets. - Smooth Hill landfill review
Concerns were raised over the $92 million project, its risks, and the need for cheaper, safer alternatives. - Homelessness in Dunedin
With around 90 people living unsheltered in the city, the team stressed that homelessness is not a “choice” and called for coordinated action between DCC, government, and social agencies. - Rates and council debt
Candidates warned of ballooning council debt and rising rates, calling for financial discipline, value for money, and protection of ratepayers. - Advocacy for Dunedin and Otago
Future Dunedin supports stronger direct advocacy in Wellington to secure fair funding and representation for the city and region. - Growth and economic development
The team outlined the need to attract new families, businesses, and jobs so Dunedin can grow at the rate it deserves. - Council accountability and community voice
From transparency on council spending to better consultation, candidates committed to putting residents first in every decision.
Submitted Questions From Dunedin Residents
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Measuring Success
- “How will you measure your success as a council member, and how will you hold yourself accountable to the residents?”
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George Street Upgrade
- “Do you think the George Street upgrade was a success, and should it be extended?”
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Political Values
- “Where do your values sit on the political spectrum?”
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Women’s Contribution to Dunedin
- “Can you name one woman’s contribution to the city’s history, and what was it?”
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Best Practice Local Bodies
- “Are there any local bodies in New Zealand you see as a good model to emulate, and what would you do to make Dunedin a model city others follow?”
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Rates and Transparency
- “Rates keep going up, but people don’t feel like they’re getting value for money. How will you make sure council spending is transparent and accountable?”
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Asset Sales
- “Will you sell off any DCC companies to pay down debt?”
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Regulation and Red Tape
- “New Zealand is one of the most regulated countries in the world. What would you do to remove layers and expedite processes that benefit individuals and the city?”
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Heavy Trucks in Mosgiel
- “Will you do anything about removing heavy trucks from the main street of Mosgiel?”
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Disconnect Between Councillors and Management
- “Why do you think there’s a disconnect between councillors and council management? Why are expensive projects being carried out without supposed council knowledge?”
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Other Candidates
- “Name one other candidate not in Future Dunedin that you would like to see at the council table alongside you.”
Why This Matters
This was the first in a series of open Q&A sessions. Future Dunedin is committed to keeping the conversation accessible and honest, so residents can make informed choices in the 2025 Dunedin local elections.
Watch the full recording here: Link to Zoom Meeting Via YouTube
Authorised by Andrew Simms, E. asimms@andrewsimms.co.nz, P. 0274346394
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