Opinion Pieces

MEDIA RELEASE June 2025

I’m running for Mayor of Dunedin 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.

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, but 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:

1. Transformation – Refocusing the council to be fit for purpose, ensuring it’s accountable, transparent, and action-oriented.
2. Liveability – Creating a city with well-functioning infrastructure, a thriving economy, and opportunities for all.
3. Partnerships – Building strong collaborations, both within our community, mana whenua and with central government, to propel us to success.

I’ve had the privilege of serving as a Councillor since 2019, 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:

1. Create a Bold, Unified Vision for Dunedin – A clear strategy that inspires action and brings everyone together to build a shared future.
2. Reclaim Democracy – Empower the Mayor and Councillors to truly represent the community’s interests and rebuild trust in our decision-making processes.
3. Implement Financial Discipline – Streamline our budgets for accountability, transparency, and to ensure every dollar is spent wisely.
4. Action-Oriented Leadership – Move beyond plans and focus on real, tactical changes that deliver tangible results.
5. Drive Economic Growth – Introduce a positive, forward-looking economic plan with new partnerships to create more jobs and attract investment.
6. 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.
7. Raise Our Performance Standards – Improve council efficiency and results by empowering a highly-skilled, agile team committed to delivering agreed Council outcomes.
8. Ensure Value for Money – Rethink our rates and investments to ensure long-term, sustainable growth. Support smart, intergenerational infrastructure investments.
9. Advocate for Dunedin – Build strong relationships with central government, fight for critical infrastructure like our hospital, and elevate Dunedin’s profile nationally and internationally.
10. 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.

SUNDAY STAR TIMES May 2025

Why am I considering standing for Mayor? Unfinished business

Every day I get asked “please stand”, so I’m feeling a tidal wave of support and that the time is ripe for change. I’m also frustrated at feeling like I’m banging my head on a brick wall, so perhaps its time to step out from behind the scenes, stand up and lead the charge for change.

I’m hearing people saying they want new leadership, new vision and direction. Someone to grasp the reins and steer the city to prosperity for everyone. They’re frustrated at how their city, a city they love and are passionate about, is floundering in the doldrums. They see wasted opportunities and want someone to take control to create a strong future. People want a city that works for them, with well-functioning infrastructure, a flourishing economy, a resilient environment and happy communities, with opportunities for all, a city they’re proud to call home.

My number one goal is to make Dunedin the best place to live in NZ. To have a first-class city that works for everyone. To achieve that goal we need a very clear plan, strong partnerships and determination. We’re blessed with outstanding assets; now we need to work smartly to make the most of them.

The case for change is strong. We’re in the middle of consulting about our long-term plan. People are frustrated at lack of solutions for a number of issues – Dunedin Hospital, performing arts, transport connectivity, homelessness, economic development, city marketing, cost of living, city competiveness, climate threats, waste minimisation, heritage degradation, food security, environment care… the list is lengthy.

We’re at a crossroads and we’ve languished too long

The case for change: (1) Lack of strong leadership (2) Legacies of unbalanced budgets – leading to #(3) Debt and rate increases (4) Stagnant city GDP, job and wealth growth, (5) Increasing centre city issues (6) Frustration with city service delivery (7) Infrastructure challenges (8) Losing of voice championing our city (9) Climate threats (10) Lack of vision, inspiration and concrete actionable plans for Dunedin.

What I could offer? New vision and leadership style focused on practical actions to transform Dunedin. Someone with deep understanding of how Council works and how to effect change. In 2022 I was ODT’s highest performing Councillor and the top voted councillor in that election. I’m a daughter of this city and a passionate Dunedinite. Our family business at Larnach Castle created one of NZ’s leading visitor attractions. I’m a really practical person focused on getting things done. I wear many hats. Economics graduate, mother, entrepreneur, RMA Commissioner, experienced Councillor, former Deputy Mayor, tourism and economic development expert, business advisor, mentor, wildlife volunteer; a depth of life skills and experiences to give our city.

I’ve got a huge list that needs sorting. Here’s ten actions I would start with:

• Create a new joint vision and strategies for the city. Bold ambitions that inspire everyone to action.
• Take back control of Democracy vs Bureaucracy. Build back trust. Mayor and Councillors need to firmly represent communities’ interests.
• Get back to balanced budgets. We’ve added around $100 million to debt with unbalanced budgets over the last five years. We need financial discipline, accountability and transparency.
• Action is everything. Make tactical plans for key changes and deliver them.
• Focus on growing our economy. Positive new plan and partnerships to take Dunedin forward.
• Cut the red tape and roll out the red carpet. People want a responsive council that delivers. We need to restore our public service ethos to fling open the welcome gates and serve our community.
• Hit our sub-par performance targets and service levels. Get the back of house sorted with a fit-for-purpose agile high-performing council team focused on delivering results for our public.
• Value for money rates and investing. Examine everything; rationalise where sensible. Support intergenerational infrastructure investments to grow our livability
• Advocate for Dunedin. Build strong relationships with central Government. Champion our hospital, Lead city promotion shouting our messages from the rooftops.
• Keep it local – elevate Council’s procurement with Dunedin businesses

New vision, new focus: I’d lead the charge to transform Dunedin to the best place to live in NZ.