Keep up to date with coverage from local reporter Hamish McNeilly and “The Mish”.
Here’s my answers to Hamish’s questions:
Occupation: City councillor, business director, penguin volunteer
Political affiliation: Independent
For more information check out her website.
Tell us about yourself, and why you want be mayor of Dunedin.
Grew up at Larnach Castle, helping save this icon. Career involves tourism, conservation, business and voluntary governance roles.
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.
My goal is to create NZ’s most liveable city.
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.
What are the biggest issues facing Dunedin next term, and what are your solutions?
- Trust. Rebuild with community through open communication and transparent common-sense leadership. Deliver promised strategies.
- Climate change. Establish practical action-oriented plan. Address carbon zero goal and resilience planning now!
- Economy. Refresh strategy – to lead city prosperity, jobs and better lives for community plus ensure resilience to outside economic shocks. Market Dunedin to raise city’s profile.
- Rates affordability. Investigate options to keep rates increases low. Make CCOs accountable and profitable.
- Quality of life. Target focused actions to make NZ’s most liveable city ie infrastructure – housing, accessibility, transport .
- Government reforms. Fight for Dunedin’s local voice.
If you had to vote for another mayoral candidate, who would you vote for and why?
I’ll be able to answer that question once I’ve seen the other candidates policies and performance on the election circuit. The reason I stood for Mayor is that I didn’t see myself or many Dunedin people I know reflected in any of the Mayoral choices for candidates.
Dunedin deserves an authentic leader who epitomises Dunedin values and aspirations while respecting individual differences of opinion. Someone who is able to lead Council and the city in working together to achieve consensus and actions to improve the amazing city we all live in.
Find out more at the link:
https://themish.substack.com/p/the-saint-and-the-school-closure
Sophie Barker Mayor of Dunedin 