Meet Conrad Stedman: Standing Up for the Basics, Backing a Better Dunedin | Future Dunedin

Meet Conrad Stedman: Standing Up for the Basics, Backing a Better Dunedin

July 11, 2025

Conrad Stedman, Dunedin City Council candidate, smiling in a park with trees and blurred traffic in the background.

Conrad Stedman isn’t new to local politics — and he’s not running for council to chase headlines or play games. He’s putting his hand up again in 2025 because the basics aren’t being done right, and that needs to change.

Why He’s Running For Council

Conrad first stood in 2016, driven by issues that hit close to home — the South Dunedin floods and poorly implemented cycleways. They weren’t just policy missteps; they were decisions that directly affected his neighbours, his community, and his city.

Fast forward to today, and it’s still the basics being overlooked. “Our city is the shop window for tourists, but we’re letting it look dishevelled,” he says, pointing to overgrown grass verges and neglected public spaces — especially along routes travelled by visitors.

“Ratepayers expect the basics to be done. That’s not a big ask.”

A Culture Problem That Needs Fixing

Conrad’s also concerned about what’s happening inside the council itself. The recent $300,000 Deloitte investigation into council culture — which many councillors haven’t even been allowed to see — is a red flag. “Governance is simple when done right,” Conrad says, “but it seems like the tail is wagging the dog.”

He’s calling for transparency, accountability, and a return to community-first decision-making. No more decisions made behind closed doors. No more dysfunction.

Why Future Dunedin

Conrad is standing with the Future Dunedin team because we share the same values: local voices matter, transparency matters, and practical, respectful leadership matters. He wants to see a council that listens — not lectures.

He’s here for the next generation too.

“I’ve got children, and one day I hope to have grandchildren. I want Dunedin to be a place they’re proud of — safe, functional, and thriving.”

 

Authorised by Conrad Stedman, dunedinconrad@gmail.com


Get to know Conrad Stedman

📬 Want to connect? Email: dunedinconrad@gmail.com
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