The cost of living is rising — and so are Dunedin’s rates. But it doesn’t have to be this way.
Future Dunedin, led by Mayoral candidate Andrew Simms, will reduce forecast rates through smarter decisions and tighter financial management. Future Dunedin looks to deliver better value from Council spending while protecting essential services like roads, three waters infrastructure, libraries, and playgrounds.
What Needs to Change
Dunedin has watched rates climb while core services stagnate. Much of this is driven by poor planning, unfocused spending, and bloated council operations. Future Dunedin believes a full reset is needed — starting with leadership that treats ratepayer dollars like their own.
Future Dunedin’s Plan
1. A Full, Transparent Budget Review
We’ll lead an exhaustive line-by-line review of:
- All Council budgets
- Capital and operational expenditure
- Contracts and procurement
- Council Controlled Organisations (CCOs)
2. Prioritise Essential Services
No more unnecessary projects while the basics fall behind.
Future Dunedin will:
- Focus spending on core infrastructure and services
- Pause non-essential projects until Dunedin returns to surplus
- Reinvest savings into what keeps the city running and residents thriving
3. Reconsider the $92.4M Smooth Hill Landfill
We’ll transparently review the decision to build a new landfill at Smooth Hill — projected to cost $92.4 million.
An existing alternative at Winton could save ratepayers millions while reducing risk and increasing flexibility as new waste technologies emerge.
4. Unlock Value from Unused Council Properties
Dunedin owns significant underused and idle land. Future Dunedin will:
- Sell or lease non-strategic assets
- Unlock an estimated $50 million to reduce debt and generate growth
- Ensure all retained assets are put to productive use
5. Make CCOs Work for Ratepayers
Our Council Controlled Organisations should deliver results, not drain resources.
Future Dunedin will:
- Lift productivity and performance
- Maximise tax effectiveness
- Ensure they align with city needs and ratepayer benefits
What This Means for Dunedin
- Reduce Forecast Rates: Savings reduce pressure on households and businesses
- Less Debt: Smarter capital planning limits long-term financial risk
- No Service Cuts: Essential services remain funded and protected
- More Accountability: Transparent financial reporting
This is what reducing forecast rates through better decisions looks like for Future Dunedin — not slashing and burning, but realigning Council spending with the things Dunedin needs most.
Future Dunedin will make better decisions with your money, restore trust in the process, and ensure ratepayers see real value in return — Read all our policies
Authorised by Andrew Simms, andrew@simms.co.nz, 0274 346394
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