“A new ambition for Dunedin”
I’m running for Mayor of Dunedin in 2025 because it’s time for a change in ambition. I believe in this city and its potential.
My goal is for Dunedin to be the best place to live in NZ. We’re a city with remarkable assets – from our stunning environment to our vibrant education and business communities. But right now, Dunedin is falling far short of its true potential. People tell me they’re frustrated with the lack of clear vision and leadership, a lack of real direction, and a sense of our city being left behind – so it’s undeniably time for transformative change. It’s time for a new approach – a common-sense one that puts people first, nails the priorities and focuses on real results.
People are doing it tough. We’ve a cost of living crisis and its hitting people hard. We need to ensure we’re delivering great value for money, providing red carpet service for our community.
As a born-and-bred Dunedinite, I live and breathe the values of hard work, common sense, and practical action. I’ve seen first-hand the challenges we face, from stagnant growth to infrastructure issues, and I know what it’ll take to lead us forward to build a thriving, prosperous city that works for everyone. I’m a fervent advocate for the hospital, and for making our local voice loud, strong and heard.
We need a clear plan, a focused vision, and determination to get the job done.
My leadership will focus on three key areas:
- Transformation – We need change! I will refocus the council to be fit for purpose, delivering real value for rates – ensuring it’s there to work for our people, accountable, transparent, and action-oriented.
- Liveability – Make us the best place to live in NZ. Creating a city with well-functioning infrastructure, a thriving economy, and opportunities for all.
- Partnerships – We have to work together. Building strong collaborations, both within our community, mana whenua and with central government, to propel us to success.
I’ve had the honour of serving you as a Councillor for six years, where I’ve gained a deep understanding of what needs to change. I’ve also led and grown a successful family business, so I know how to make things happen. I’m practical, focused, and passionate about seeing Dunedin thrive.
The case for change is clear. We’ve lagged behind in key areas, and it’s time to take action. I have a proven track record, having been rated and polled the highest-performing Councillor in 2022, and I’m ready to lead Dunedin with new vision, strong leadership, and tangible results.
Here are ten actions I’ll prioritise as Mayor:
- Create a Bold, Unified Vision for Dunedin – A clear strategy that inspires action and brings everyone together to build a shared future.
- Reclaim Democracy – Empower the Mayor and Councillors to truly represent the community’s interests and rebuild trust in our decision-making processes.
- Implement Financial Discipline – Streamline our budgets for accountability, transparency, and to ensure every dollar is spent wisely.
- Action-Oriented Leadership – Move beyond plans and focus on real, tactical changes that deliver tangible results.
- Drive Economic Growth – Introduce a positive, forward-looking economic plan with new partnerships to create more jobs and attract investment.
- Cut Red Tape, Roll Out the Welcome Mat – Create a responsive, customer-first council that opens doors for our community with a public service mindset.
- Raise Our Performance Standards – Improve council efficiency and results by empowering a highly-skilled, agile team committed to delivering agreed Council outcomes.
- Ensure Value for Money – Rethink our rates and investments to ensure long-term, sustainable growth. Support smart, intergenerational infrastructure investments.
- Advocate for Dunedin – Build strong relationships with central government, fight for critical infrastructure like our hospital, and elevate Dunedin’s profile nationally and internationally.
- Support Local Business – Prioritise procurement from Dunedin businesses to keep investment and jobs within our community.
These actions will help transform Dunedin into a thriving, prosperous city that works for everyone.
Dunedin has all the ingredients to be the best place to live in NZ. I’m ready to roll up my sleeves and make that happen. I want to lead the charge to power up Dunedin, together.
Values Driven: Service, Integrity, Respect, Inclusion, Authenticity, Common Sense, Courage, Grace, Humility, Openness
I’m honoured to work on behalf of Dunedin people as an authentic values-driven Councillor who builds trust and leads achievement – to help create the best city to live in NZ. A city that works for everyone.
I have an ambitious focus for Dunedin to be a strong and prosperous city. My background in tourism, economic development and business means that I can support a transformation – from a city that’s ‘OK’, to a city thats a leader – where people love to live. Economic prosperity means money to invest in our environment, heritage and resilience. We’re a small city but can be a major player.
As a DCC Councillor, the Number 1 performer in 2019-2022 as ranked by ODT, and the 2022 top polling candidate I am dedicated to ensuring that we are accountable and action orientated.
Core Pillars:
- A True Independent putting Dunedin first
- Common Sense Decisions for workable solutions
- Rebuilding Trust by open communication
- Changing Council Culture by positive leadership
- Putting people first for a thriving city
- It’s time to deliver with practical solutions!
Vision
Dunedin is the best place to live in NZ – a city that works for everyone, with NZ’s best lifestyle.
Mission
Create the number one most liveable city in NZ by ensuring Council delivers value-for-money strong intergenerational infrastructure, supports a vibrant community life and safe flourishing environment underpinned by a robust economy.
Goals
- Make Dunedin NZ’s most liveable city. A city that works for everyone with NZ’s best lifestyle
- Deliver great value for money for Dunedin ratepayers
- Develop a City Masterplan to invent and power up our own future
- Ensure strong resilient infrastructure investment to underpin the city’s functional needs, with solid future planning and delivery
- Focus on Economic Development to generate prosperity helping jobs, businesses and people to thrive
- Protect nature -Activate projects to safeguard and enhance our environment for us now and in the future
- Strengthen creative sector to spark vibrancy, activate lively year-round events and create memorable life-moments
- Treasure Heritage – enhance our historic assets to enrich our lives and create a beautiful compelling city
- Build strong communities to bolster social cohesion so we live in a safe and inclusive place
- Commit to climate action to ensure we have a safe resilient future
- Integrate our transport system – make Dunedin flow. Spend less time in traffic and more time living!
- Advocate for our hospital and Government investment to ensure we get our fair share of attention and funding
- Make Dunedin famous on the world stage as a magnet for people.
My Experience
- Deputy Mayor from 2022-23
- Ranked top DCC Councillor by ODT Sept 2022
- Dunedin City Councillor since 2019
- Highest polling candidate – Election 2022
- Heritage Fund Chair, Chair Strategy, Planning & Environment Committee
- Commerce Degree in Economics – 1990
- Institute of Director qualification
- Wide Business Management Experience
- Award Winning Family Business Larnach Castle. 40 year management involvement – marketed to achieve over 100,000 visitors. Managed 65 staff. Top attraction in Dunedin.
- Co-Owner Ayrmed Collagen Serum
- Business NZ Mentor
- Mentor Otago University Ignite students
- Vibrant tourism career incl Marketing Manager: Royal Albatross, Blue Penguins Pukekura, Glenfalloch, Fletcher House, Otago Peninsula Trust – Marketed to acheive 200,000+ visitors
- Heritage and Environmental Advocate
- City Marketer with decades of success achieving multi-million dollars of coverage for Dunedin Media Coverage
- 7 years Business Advisor DCC Economic Development – destination management and business support, strategy oversight. Implemented successful Cruise Action Plan
- Voluntary Governance Roles – Including Chair Otago Chamber Tourism Committee, Chair Visit Dunedin Advisory Group. Board Tourism Dunedin, Trustee NZ Gardens Trust. Trustee Dunedin Midwinter Carnival.
- Blue Penguins Pukekura volunteer
- RMA Hearings Commissioner qualification and experience
Find out more at my LinkedIn Profile
My Priorities
- Fight hard for Dunedin Hospital
- Deliver better value for rates
- New city vision and masterplan
- Improve Council culture
- Amplify Dunedin’s profile for success
- Boost economic development
- Rebuild partnerships
- Team Leadership you can be proud of
- Rebuild Council Trust with our community through open communication and transparent common-sense leadership. Deliver promised strategies. Ensure visible action and accountability.
- Spark Economic Development with impactful actions to lead city prosperity, jobs and better lives for our community plus ensure resilience to outside economic shocks. Market Dunedin to raise city’s profile as aTHE place to live, study, visit, do business and invest.
- Rates affordability. Create options to keep rates increases low. Make Council Companies accountable and profitable.
- Quality of Life. Target focussed actions to make NZ’s most liveable city ie Infrastructure -Housing, accessibility, transport.
- Create a Dunedin Masterplan with Action Plans because we need to have a practical action oriented plans to ensure our city success.
- Government Reforms. Fight for Dunedin’s Hospital and local voice.
Insight: I grew up in a castle – but unlike Cinderella I rescued myself. It wasn’t the silver spoon existence you might imagine. We worked incredibly hard for decades to restore this heritage icon, and built it into one of NZ’s premiere attractions. Mostly it was cold, damp and scary – an original leaky home… I learnt huge amounts, which has equipped me for an interesting career. Find out more at About Sophie
VISION – The best place to live in NZ.
I believe Dunedin can be New Zealand’s best city – the best place to live, learn and work.
Where people live fulfilled lives in a connected city that’s safe and accessible for all.
Where our standard of living is enhanced by our treasured environment.
A prosperous city with meaningful jobs and strong communities, resilient to climate change.
A smart city respecting heritage while innovating for our future.
A rich city with bold ambition
Sensible | Strategic | Smart
Integrity. Real-world Experience. Empathetic. Practical. Public-spirited. Analytical.
Dunedin needs strong sensible leadership, both inspiring and realistic. As a current Independent Councillor, I’m dedicated to ensuring that we’re accountable, action orientated, listen to and advocate for our community.
I want to create a more prosperous and liveable city for all of us.
My background in business, tourism, heritage, environmental and council enables me to continue to contribute strongly to wise decision making. Dunedin needs a Mayor and Councillors with real skills and insights evaluating options to make good, evidence-based decisions.
DELIVERY
I have a vision of NZ’s most liveable city – a city that works for everyone.
We should focus on delivering our promises to our community to create the best city for generations to enjoy. We should raise Dunedin’s profile to achieve economic development goals, appropriate Government attention and funding. I’m all about getting things done – less talk, more action!
I’m authentic, open, approachable, kind, liberal, professional, sensible, communication orientated, business-minded, analytical, strategic, fiscally prudent and action focussed. Yes, thats a lot of words, but what you do need to know is that I’m absolutely committed and capable of delivering.
I’m dedicated to serving Dunedin because of my family and the city I want for them. I have a university age daughter and an elderly mother so have a generational approach on Dunedin issues.
Get in Touch
Sophie Barker Dunedin City Councillor
sophieformayor@gmail.com
+64 022 601 2778
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Sophie Barker Mayor of Dunedin 