Running for Dunedin City Council (DCC)
Andrew Whiley
Team Dunedin
Running under the centre-right Team Dunedin ticket, Andrew spruiks his experience “speaking on, representing and supporting all communities across the city”. He wants to ensure “everyone has the opportunity to have their voice heard”, and has been involved in everything from Rotary Club and Volunteering South to professional golf and fossil fuel lobbying (as a spokesperson for former advocacy group Progas Otago). The three-term city councillor also puts the “cost of buying, building, developing and renting” as the number one issue facing Ōtepoti – “as the city grows, it is going to get worse”. Andrew adds he “would welcome stronger working engagement” with Māori, saying “iwi relationships are important to the city.”
Brent Weatherall
Team Dunedin
You may know this fellow Team Dunedin-ite for his jewellery shop on George St, or for his banning of Mayor Aaron Hawkins from said shop to protest the DCC turning George St into a one-way. He’s unsurprisingly car-friendly, supporting “ample car parks in central Dunedin,” and says “council debt” is the top issue facing Ōtepoti. He says that he’ll “continue engagement” with mana whenua and that he’ll “support and engage all Dunedin communities, without being biased to any single sector and with no allegiance to any political parties or secret agendas”.
Cherry Lucas
Independent
Cherry says she’s focused on the “cost of living and inflation,” which is “impacting both socially and economically on all communities and the city as a whole”. She’s a big fan of listening, and hopes for people to “feel they have been heard,” but (surprisingly for an aspiring politician) isn’t a fan of talking: “only speak when you can add to it,” she says, “not just for the sake of hearing your voice”. The former accountant also hopes to “clean up our streets,” including by removing rubbish, enhancing recycling facilities, cleaning graffiti on fences and fixing potholes.
Cheryl May Neill
Team Dunedin
Cheryl, a teacher at Portobello School, says “housing, high rents and the short supply of rental properties” are the biggest issues facing currently Ōtepoti. She wants to listen more closely to residents, saying “people have some great ideas for the community and are passionate about the special place they live in the world”. Cheryl says “it is essential that manaakitanga is shown always, mana whenua are consulted on issues important to them and inclusion is embraced.” Like any good primary school teacher, she reminded us that “respect and acknowledging others’ points of view will go a long way.” Good point, teach.
Chris McBride
Independent
For local businessman Chris, Ōtepoti’s top issues are “the quality of housing and cost of living increases”. He wants to push the DCC to commit to engaging with the community by “holding far more community meetings and events to reconnect with the issues”. He also wants to “create awareness and educate the DCC” on their legal obligations towards Māori, ensuring there is a “healthy working relationship [so] Māori can flourish now and in the future,” although he is also committed to “pushing back on Three Waters”.
Christine Garey
Independent
Climate change is a top priority for Christine, as she says it “encompasses so many of the social and economic issues that we face, such as housing”. Warm and dry homes? Barely know her. Christine further says she would help “elevate the voices of marginalised communities”. She’s a fan of upskilling DCC staff with cultural competency training, including understanding of basic tikanga and te reo, so they can meaningfully engage with Māori. Ultimately, Christine is an advocate for courtesy and respect within council chambers, adopting the (somewhat backhanded) mantra, “praise in public, criticise in private”.
David Benson-Pope
Independent
David’s running on a campaign for “well-planned sustainable growth,” ambitiously claiming to speak for the “whole Dunedin community.” David highlighted the importance of effective consultation and providing factual information to the community to fight back against “highly organised disinformation activities.” David is a firm supporter of community development, in particular with initiatives such as the Valley Project.
Doug Hall Jr
Independent
Running under the slogan “financial and ecological stability,” Doug aims to “expand businesses and opportunities for all,” whilst mentioning the need for “more housing and warmer council flats.” To elevate community aspirations, Doug says he would “talk to people, or check Facebook if you’re in a hurry.” Critic Te Ārohi hopes Doug is not in too much of a hurry if elected. On his website, Doug protests the “war against parking spots,” and calls for shifting bus services to the DCC, increasing recycling rates, reducing DCC debt and (most importantly) upgrading our dinosaur park to match the Margaret Mahy Playground in Christchurch.
Joy Davis
Labour Party
Joy wants to prioritise speaking out for “those that struggle to have a voice or navigate the system,” and says that her 20 years as a community advocate have given her “an understanding of the hopes and dreams, needs and wants our communities have.” She “totally supports the growing partnership Council has with mana whenua,” and says “social cohesion” is the most important issue currently facing Ōtepoti, because “our city is growing rapidly and increasing in cultural diversity.”
Lynette Scott
Team Dunedin
Lynette says she’ll be speaking for “ratepayers” – can I get an “amen to that” from all the non-landlords in Ōtepoti (most of the population)? Her biggest priority, appropriately, is to “forecast debt and rates increases”. She says she’d like a DCC “that actively listens and actually consults with the people of Dunedin,” saying on Facebook that “the [current] leadership has pushed through an agenda that is not what the people of Dunedin want.” She’d love to get behind community gardens, “and other projects which help provide for and connect communities”.
Marie Laufiso
Green Ōtepoti
An Ōtepoti resident from birth, Marie says the most important issue Ōtepoti faces is the “ongoing colonisation of Tāngata whenua land and whānau since 1840”. With a history of activism focused on Te Tiriti issues over the last four decades, she believes that many socioeconomic issues can be traced back to these wrongdoings. On the DCC, Marie says she has and will continue to “advocate for the continued strengthening of their relationship with Mana whenua”. She draws on her personal and familial experience who are mokopuna a iwi to continue to guide her decisions and show respect to mana whenua and maatawaka.
Nathan Gordon
Independent
When asked to name the most important issue facing Ōtepoti, Nathan cited “a number of equally important issues that all relate to each other… including housing, business, climate and environmental issues.” He wants to prioritise “open and clear communication, including balanced and fair consultation where possible,” and says that he would “listen and encourage input from those who want to contribute, ensuring everyone has the opportunity to have their say”.
Peter Barron
Independent
“Ensuring participation in our democratic institutions and countering misinformation,” is the top social issue facing Ōtepoti for Peter, while “ensuring generational investment is made in infrastructure replacement” is his top economic priority. He’s a “strong advocate for co-governance,” and is a te reo speaker as well as being “very familiar with Te Tiriti”. He says “being empathetic” is his usual approach to achieving constructive working relationships – it’s all about “listening, seeing and feeling”.
Rachel Elder
Independent
Rachel says she’ll speak for “all communities” at the DCC, specifically naming “Māori, Pasifika, disabled, multi-ethnic, low socio-economic, mental health and local communities”. For her, Ōtepoti’s main concern is “the availability of warm, dry and affordable homes to rent or buy”. She’s committed to partnering with Māori, saying she’s “keen to take a lead from local Māori as to how they want to be represented at the council table”. She’s also a fan of “empowering communities,” saying she will try to use public forums to “strengthen communities’ own voices… encouraging and supporting them to use that voice.”
Randal Scott
Independent
A teacher and mental health support worker, Randal “wants to be a voice for the voiceless,” saying that “there are a significant number of people in our city who only survive and not thrive.” To change this, Randal wants to prioritise providing “secure housing” and “work for everyone who wants it,” trying to “involve people in the life of the city who feel like they don’t have much to offer” and aiming to “create a city where everyone can flourish”. Bless. He also backs “co-governance [with mana whenua] in terms of managing our responsibilities and resources, as long as Māori representatives are elected and not appointed.”
Richard Knights
Independent
Creator of the wholesome Facebook group “What’s News, Dunedin?”, Richard continues the wholesome theme in his pitch. A firm believer in “diversity and inclusivity,” he ranks “climate change adaptation” as his top priority, saying “It’s everyone’s responsibility to leave behind a healthy planet for our whānau.” He committed to “build on the existing relationship [with mana whenua] and ensure it does not slide backwards,” saying “I don’t need a Local Government Act to tell me how important Māori contributions are to local government decision-making.”
Robyn McLean
Independent
She’s a big fan of “equity of outcomes,” wanting to design Ōtepoti around ensuring “every individual from every demographic has the opportunity to reach their full potential.” Working with the South Dunedin Community Network, she hopes to “raise community aspirations at any opportunity I get,” including (rather bluntly) “protecting and defending them if I feel someone may be belittling or disrespecting any aspirations, even if they are unaware of the damage their words may be doing.” Pop off, Robyn.
Steve Walker
Labour Party
Steve says climate change is “the most important and pressing issue for Ōtepoti Dunedin,” in particular highlighting that “the most vulnerable people bear the brunt of [its] impacts yet contribute the least to the crisis.” He’s an advocate of “community-led initiatives,” saying that these create “more resilient, more vibrant and better connected communities” and are more “responsive to their community’s own needs”. Steve says strengthening relationships with mana whenua should not just be a legal obligation: “having a greater understanding of each other’s aims and ambitions leads to better outcomes for all residents and communities”. He’s also said he’ll be advocating for “the community without a voice” at the DCC table – “our taonga species”.
Tracey Pita
Independent
Running as part of “Team Pita” with husband Watson Pita (who is gunning for a spot on the ORC), Tracey says she wants to “build a more authentic connection with hapū and whānau,” promoting her “good connections with Araiteuru Marae” and rather humbly putting it down to “my approachable manner and ability to connect with people”. Tracey says she’s “already an efficient community connector and leader”. What she left out is that her community leadership positions included heading the local chapter of anti-vax movement Voices for Freedom (VFF).
Vick Veera
Independent
As a self-proclaimed “people person”, Vick is confident he can speak for “any communities that need their voices heard.” His main concern for Ōtepoti is the impeding housing crisis, and if elected would “advocate for affordable housing strategy, working together with local builders with pre-approved consent processes to shorten build time, producing more homes to [relieve] the bottleneck.” He would also see greater funding and support of “community and students’ well-being groups”, citing the deeply concerning growth of teenage suicide rates. He believes that while “it is at the local level that communities must resolve the real challenges of growing diversity” that at a local government level they “must take into account the relationship of Māori…with their ancestral land, water, sites, wāhi tapu, valued flora and fauna, and other taonga.”
Did not respond:
Bruce Mitchell
Semi-retired Mosgiel trucker who believes he can provide “honesty, integrity and a strong work ethic”.
Callum Steele (Team Dunedin)
ACT’s Ōtepoti candidate in 2020 brings a standard libertarian playbook, blasting “wasteful spending” and the George Street dots (of course).
Chriss Hamilton
Mysterious, we can’t find any information about her other than a Facebook campaign page with zero posts.
Jim O’Malley
A scientist who describes himself as “left-leaning” who says “it is essential to work with all council members regardless of their political background.”
Kevin Gilbert (Team Dunedin)
Wants to focus on “waste minimisation and recycling, Dunedin’s financial sustainability and welcoming businesses and business growth”.
Malcolm Moncrief-Spittle (Independent pro-freedom Jedi warrior)
No Yoda endorsement found, possibly due to controversy.
Marita Johnson
An aged-care nurse and union delegate who hopes to push for improvements in Ōtepoti’s public transport and infrastructure.
Michael Lee
A strongly pro-car candidate whose other major policy proposal is “restoring Aotearoa’s oldest public toilet, which would be a great accessible tourist attraction”.
Rob Waide
“Intends to bring a fresh perspective” to the DCC and “pursue sound social and economic opportunities,” but without much detail on any proposals.
Veronica Jackman
Wants to “keep our 3 waters, one-way streets and parking spots,” and will focus on “house owners” in her decision-making.
Running for Dunedin Ward, Otago Regional Council (ORC)
Alan Somerville
Green Ōtepoti
Won’t anybody think of the children? Alan will, saying that he wants to speak up at the ORC for “their right to grow up in a healthy and unpolluted environment,” as well as for “vulnerable communities to ensure they’re not further disadvantaged by the effects of climate change”. According to Alan, “returning the mana to our fresh water” is the key issue facing the region, as it’s “essential for biodiversity and thriving communities”. He strongly supports “a partnership approach with mana whenua… seeking [their] perspectives, mak[ing] sure they have a formal place in decision-making.”
Bill Southworth
Labour Party
Former journo Bill says that on the ORC he will try and speak for “the citizens of Otago, both urban and rural,” but says that the most important issue facing the Otago region is to “restore the 17 rivers classified by ORC scientists as ‘badly polluted’ back as near as possible to their original state”. He wants to continue the current ORC initiative, to have a spokesperson advising on Māori perspectives “as a permanent member at council meetings”. His approach to constructive working relationships is “a polite and civil discourse between members with different points of view”. Awww.
Bryan Scott
Independent
On the ORC since 2004, Bryan says the Otago region needs to focus on the “quality and quantity of water in our rivers and lakes,” saying (in the understatement of the century) that “there is much tension around water allocation and minimum flows in our rivers”. He also wants to push the ORC to “progress climate change adaptation and mitigation strategies,” including flood protections and electric buses. Bryan’s also said he’ll “work constructively and respectfully with Māori under the terms and spirit of the Treaty partnership,” including committing to “regular Mana te Mana meetings to discuss and progress any issues of concern and opportunity”.
Elliot Weir
Independent
Critic Te Ārohi’s very own intrepid Features Editor is looking to “stand for the best interests of the land, water and people of all Otago,” but will be putting extra focus on amplifying “the voice of communities that often don’t get heard at the council table.” Elliot’s key priority will be “protecting our rivers… to help keep [them] clean, swimmable and full of life”, “improving public transport,” and implementing “climate change adaptation measures” to prepare for the longer term. They’ll also be working to ensure the ORC’s Māori engagement policy “is observed to the fullest extent, and [that] mana whenua are an active part of the decision-making process.”
Gary Kelliher
Independent
Sheep farmer Gary wants to “achieve a fit-for-purpose, environment-protecting and economy-sustaining land and water plan,” but unfortunately did not give any insight into what this “plan” includes or how it would be achieved. Asked about how he would honour the obligation for councils to maintain and improve opportunities for Māori, Gary rather underwhelmingly committed just to not break the law, saying: “I will abide by the requirements of the LG Act 2002.” He did, however, commit to “honesty and integrity with an open approach”.
Geoff Lyell
Independent
The professional firefighter and industrial electrician aims to “preserve and enhance the natural environment”, before adding “but doing so in a way that is economically sustainable.” Critic Te Ārohi is not sure what this means but we guess it has something to do with not doing as much as we’d like. Indeed, he described “the hedonistic push to lead the world to ‘Carbon Zero’” as “economically reckless”. Geoff said he supports “co-governance initiatives,” but is concerned of it turning into “co-government,” and says the Three Waters policy would “risk alienating many peoples.”
Gretchen Robertson
Independent
Gretchen says ORC should be an environmental custodian focused on science. “Our water, air, and soil quality has to be retained to support healthy ecosystems, biodiversity, climate resilience, and human wellbeing,” said Gretchen. The aquatic ecologist is strongly supportive of partnership with Māori, saying she’s “committed to meeting their responsibilities under Te Tiriti o Waitangi,” whilst emphasising the importance of kaitiaki values. Ultimately, Gretchen’s no-nonsense, science-backed approach aims to get things done: “my goal is for an ORC focused on action rather than distractions.”
James Cockle
Independent
James wants to “speak about (not for) communities being impacted by climate change and ecological collapse”. He believes that “water quality, soil regeneration, and public transportation (bus, bike, rail)” are the most important issues facing us currently and in the future. James’ future orientated approach includes his efforts to support the increase of Māori representation on council, hapu and iwi in council decision making, and in particular respecting and upholding Māori sovereignty.
Malcolm Budd
Independent
Malcolm is a person of few words: 60 to be exact. We’ll see if we can get every single one of them in this paragraph. Malcolm wants to advocate for “all communities within the Otago region by understanding, listening and working together with his colleagues. The largest issue he sees is the lack of “council to work collaboratively”. Additionally he wants the ORC to provide “a sustainable and reliable public transport system, and a workable water quality plan to improve our waterways”. He plans to include Māori in this by committing to build “a strong relationship with Mana Whenuan and to improve my understanding of the Treaty Partnership”. And that’s all 60 of his words.
Richard Anderson
Independent
Richard kept it short, sharp, and rather vague. He aims to speak “for all communities within our region…everyone is entitled to an equal opportunity”. This egalitarian approach is a theme, with the most important ingredient for a happy Council being “TRUST” (in all caps). He aims to honour obligations to Māori by “ensuring they have equal opportunities” and are “kept informed and consulted through all processes.” If elected, his main priority would be to do his “utmost to protect and preserve [the environment and waterways] for future generations.”
Ross Davies
Climate – Buses – Water – Air
Ross is a firm advocate for the climate, buses, water, and air. He will speak for communities affiliated with these issues, and other “community groups who feel they are not being listened to by the Council” if they have “common ground”. He claims that the “key issue is going to be climate change” in the region for the foreseeable future, and that “the sooner the Council gets to grips with it the better”. He would see urban bus services handed over to “the urban authorities” as it is a “huge distraction” from other issues such as “environmental responsibilities” and “Local Government reform… that’s plenty for the next three years.” Although his career in local government started with a “rush and a roar”, Ross claims to have “learned to be better”. “We’re all there trying to improve things in different ways. It’s a matter of working together to do that.”
Slime The Nitrate Monster
Monstrosity
The one and only Slime Monster vowed to “not create constructive working relationships”. Like most algae, it “does not have a heart nor a soul,” which Slime insists makes it “a perfect candidate for the job”. It dreams of a world where more people are forced to drink from tanker trucks carrying chlorine-treated water, and where synthetic nitrogen fertiliser rules – growing more grass, feeding more cows, irrigating more land, drying out more rivers, and making more milk powder, all to grow more of Slime’s kin in rivers and lakes. A beautiful circle of life indeed. Through layers of sarcasm thicker than the algae-choked Manuherikia, Slime highlights reasonable points about the mismanagement of resources, but provides no real solutions. Hopefully its alter-ego, human ecologist Jenn Shulzitski, does.
Tim Mepham
Independent
Tim’s “long affiliations with community led environmental organisations”, including a 30-year-long membership with Fish and Game, are part of “who I am and what I will represent at Council.” His focus will be on completing the “land and water management plan by December 2023” to “protect the health and wellbeing of water bodies and freshwater ecosystems.” He is “looking forward to working with our Māori representatives” as Te Tiriti “is the founding document of this country”, establishing “a partnership” between “Māori and everyone else.” His approach to working relationships is based on “constructive, informed and respectful discussion.”
Did not respond:
Andrew Noone
Farmer and opposed to Three Waters, but still says he’s committed to “swing the pendulum back towards the environment”.
Watson Pita
Ex-Voices for Freedom (VFF) anti-vax coordinator, see wife Tracey Pita’s profile above.