Thanks to OUSA (Otago University Students Association) for hosting a Mayoral debate yesterday. It was an illuminating experience. I also felt a bit too comfortable I think – given that I made most of my lifelong friendships in the vicinity of the Main Common Room, including meeting fellow Councillor Jim O’Malley while he was a part-time barman at the University Union. Good to know the bar staff and management!
Not all the questions we’d been given were asked, so here’s my answers, in case you are curious.
Quick Intro. Kia ora, Ko Sophie Barker ahau. I grew up at Larnach Castle, have had a career in tourism, conservation and business and am now a current Councillor and volunteer penguin guide. I’m also an ex Otago Student with a Commerce degree in Economics– and the mother of a current one, so I know the challenges and fun of being a student here. I’m dedicated to helping build a city that my daughter will love to have a future in. My aim is NZ’s most liveable city.
I believe Dunedin people want a truly independent Mayor who rebuilds community trust and is an authentic leader. I would be a Mayor who is approachable, respectful, sensible and practical – capable of building collaborative partnerships and ensuring action on key issues.
As a Councillor I’m disappointed by falling satisfaction with Council, engagement and services. I’m frustrated with Council’s failure to deliver on key projects. It’s time to step up.
Why should students care about local body politics?
Do you see yourself reflected in the line-up today? Are you happy that these are the people making decisions about the city you live in? Because this is a city that you live in, plus you pay rates too, and should care about how they’re being spent. Are they being spent on your priorities? Please vote.
If elected, what will your commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi look like?
Upholding the partnerships the Treaty/Te Tiriti promises is of key importance to me. I want to ensure our council is culturally competent to work with respect with mana whenua and mātāwaka on partnerships to plan our future together. I voted for mana whenua representation on Council committees and am looking forward to our new Māori strategic framework to embed in our planning and relationships. I volunteer at Blue Penguins Pukekura which is a joint partnership model with a Māori trust so I am deeply committed to fruitful partnerships.
What is your commitment to reducing student poverty in Dunedin?
Students are an investment in our future, so we need to support them. I will advocate for students with our local MPs to keep no interest loans and keep fees low. At DCC we will try to keep rates down to keep rents affordable. Through our economic development strategies we can also create more job opportunities, both for part time term jobs and career opportunities so that students can earn incomes to help with expenses and perhaps decide to stay and live in Dunedin.
What will you do to improve the standard of living in student housing?
We’re just going through this flat finding drama with my daughter, which has been really eye opening. I’d try to increase supply of housing so less competition for flats. Work to ensure Healthy Homes standards are in every dwelling especially via our building consent process. I’d like to run post O and Re O week clean ups with voucher rewards to make the student area more walkable. I also make it a safer environment for students – my daughter has had glass bottles thrown at her twice in this area! Standards of living are also about quality of life, so I’d support looking at how heritage student bars might be brought back to life.
What are some assurances you can provide around student well-being should we go into another lockdown?
We’ll keep doing the necessities – waste management, water, comms, so the city keeps functioning. I’m concerned about mental wellbeing, so would increase ability to access community support, especially for out of town students.
How do you plan to involve students in the decision-making process in our city?
Build a closer relationship between town and gown. Once a month on-site meetings with OUSA, open communication. I like how OUSA have referendums on key issues, so I’d like to explore how we could do that to hear the student voice more clearly. Students are a huge part of our city, so it’s vital their voices are heard.
If you could change one thing in our city, what would it be and why?
For me. Concentration on environmental outcomes. However my daughter has told me the most frustrating thing for her is the ability to get around for students. I’d like to get the buses back from ORC to DCC so we can provide better bus services and align them with other transport options. This would help lead to a city that works for everyone, whether it’s people accessing efficient public transport, walking on safer streets, cycling or being able to drive their cars and find parks. Currently, and a good part of this is due to Covid, the bus system is struggling.While I’m at it I’d have a good hard look at how we can make the Bus Hub a safe, welcoming environment!
I want you to experience all the amazing attractions our city has, not be trapped in North Dunedin. Plus be able to access more of the city’s facilities easily. I care a lot about achieving climate action and a well networked transport system is vital for lowering carbon emissions.
What makes you the best candidate for students?
As I currently live with my student daughter I understand what life is like for students balancing social lives, studies and work and am attentive to issues that affect them. Listening to my daughters daily complaints (‘honest feedback’) I want to make the city exciting, safe and open doors for students that they might not know about.
My vision for NZ’s most liveable city is one that’s inclusive and future focussed. I’m progressive, liberal and a fresh thinker not bogged down with years trapped in bureaucracies. Plus I’m focussed on delivering actions which have been promised but often seem to languish on someone’s desk.
I believe I am the most approachable, authentic Mayoral candidate and can lead the city with empathy, warmth and respect focussing on actionable deliverables to make Dunedin a better place to live for everyone.
Here’s a link to the ODT report https://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/dcc/mayoral-contenders-find-something-they-can-agree
Sophie Barker Mayor of Dunedin 