2025 Elections - Choose Your Champions, Shape the Valley

Heads up, Valley residents—you’ve got decisions to make! The Dunedin and Otago local body elections are fast approaching. Postal voting is now open for the Dunedin City Council election—including the mayor, city councillors, community boards—as well as for the Otago Regional Council, which oversees freshwater, buses, pest control, and more across the region.

Why is reading up on every single candidate your new favourite hobby? Because every voice in this election—from mayor to community board hopeful—is asking for your trust. Each candidate has different ideas about how they’ll make life better in North East Valley and beyond. So ask yourself: which of these folks really gets what matters to you? And who will fight for the things that shape our community—Lindsay Creek flood control, better active transport, stronger local food systems, and for our community groups, like Valley Project, that make Valley life hum. The more you explore, the more you’ll understand who stands where. So take an hour, grab a cuppa, and dive into candidate profiles (now with videos) on the DCC and ORC websites. And don’t stop there! Independent groups are quizzing the candidates too—so follow your interests: perhaps Spokes Dunedin if you’re bike-minded, or Our Food Network if you’re all about local kai.

Our Valley Voice volunteer reporters, Claire Heap and Karl Bray, also did the legwork for you. They reached out to as many candidates as they could, giving each a chance to share their personal connection to—and vision for—the Valley region, home to over 10,000 of us. Our coverage is by no means exhaustive, so take that spark of curiosity and keep going!

——————- Independent for City Council ——————-

MARIAN POOLE: Though I have lived in my current home for 49 years, establishing a permaculture garden after the style of my tupuna, my connection to the Valley started when I chose to enrol my sons in NEV Intermediate and my youngest son in George Street Normal where they formed friendships which have stood the tests of time.

I have admired the efforts made in the Valley and incidentally in the Waitati environs to build community with workshops and gardening opportunities, and passive energy collection. The value of gardening cannot be overstated for our physical and mental health and that of our beautiful country. The Valley and Waitati also fostered my families' life-long interest in the performing arts, punk rock, drum and bass, and classical western sounds. Again, I cannot overstate the importance of music and creativity in maintaining a healthy vibrant community and personal wellbeing.

My tupuna served in local body roles in Invercargill, including the Bluff Harbour Board, Chamber of Commerce, RSA, and Southland Museum Board. They were instrumental in the establishment of the Tuatara breeding program, the building of the Pyramid Southland Museum, and the Historic Places Trust. They also fostered working relationships with local iwi Kati Moemoe and Kai Tahu, and as Mayor, established arts festivals at Andersons Park. It is a tradition I am proud of and wish to live up to.

For these reasons, I stand before you, with my tupuna leading, to serve as Councillor for DCC. I am not interested in grandstanding or personality politics—such a waste of time. My desire is to establish creative and gardening hubs which might serve the South Dunedin Community as your endeavours have served the Valley.

EVELYN ROBERTSON: I love the Valley Voice! I am Valley born and bred. I grew up on Craigleith Street, went to Ōpoho School, then DNI, and I lived in North East Valley until 2017 when I moved to Ravensbourne, though I still visit people there every week. I have strong connections to the Valley. Much of how I view community, and public spaces and houses, is informed by NEV. Ōwheo is my home.

A big part of my platform is empowering community organisations, such as the Valley Project, to make real changes in their communities. Star Chef Canteen and Takeaway is the best in the city, hands down! I am an ECE Kaiako and have been volunteering for Dunedin Pride since 2018, and I support Dunedin Justice for Palestine as a community marshall.

I want to be on Council to represent and advocate for minoritised and local communities, advocate for better housing and food supply solutions, and ensure that DCC has a council that represents the diverse and progressive values of Dunedin.

SUE TODD: I lived in Gladstone Road in North East Valley for about twenty years, and my two daughters Amber and Brooke went to George Street Normal and then Dunedin North Intermediate.

I'm standing as an independent candidate which means I am not affiliated with a group or party and therefore don’t have to follow the party line. I am a business person and have been self employed for 35 years, surviving some very bad economic times. I am careful with my own money and would be voting to not increase our already bloated debt and hopefully find ways to reduce the city debt.

My biggest concern is the situation in Surry Street South Dunedin, where the residents have sewage waste on their property, I don’t think anyone living in Dunedin should have to live with that. It needs fixed and fixed quickly.

PAUL POPE: I was born in Mechanic Steet, and later moved to Ōpoho where I attended Ōpoho school. As a child, the Valley was a busy place of small business and some industry at the time. One lasting memory is getting “short back and sides” at the barbers on North Road, and Robbies Dairy on the corner of Mechanic Street, and going with my mother to the cake shop opposite Blacks Road. I have very happy memories of my childhood there and the sense of freedom we seemed to have roaming the bush and creek.

I’ve lived with my wife on the Otago Peninsula for thirty years and spent the last twelve years on the Otago Peninsula Community Board—nine as its Chairman. I put myself forward for the City Council because this city needs experienced community leaders with a passion for community-based grass roots representation. As an ecologist, I also believe its time Council had someone with my skills and insight to champion our biodiversity and restoration challenges. I’m a very grounded person who puts the community first and is totally focussed on the needs of its people.

HEIKE CEBULLA: Whilst I live in Musselburgh, I have a connection to the Valley through my work at Logan Park High School where a lot of our whānau come from. I am also an active member of our local cycle advocacy group. We are working towards safer active transport and there are lots of active transport users in the Valley. I am a huge admirer of the activities organised by the Valley Project and think that many other neighbourhoods could learn a lot from these.

CHRISTINE GAREY: A shoutout to the Valley Project and all place-based groups across Ōtepoti Dunedin! During my time as a councillor and Deputy Mayor, I've attended many community events and visited many community groups throughout the city and schools, including in NEV.

I’ve come to appreciate and value the amazing work carried out at a local level by these groups, run mostly by volunteers. I have advocated for and voted consistently around the Council table in support of community development projects and know the value of place based groups such as the Valley Project.

During my time on the Grants Subcommittee, I actively supported community groups in their important work and know the difference they make in people’s everyday lives. This work connects and strengthens communities, making them more resilient for the future.

As a three-term Dunedin City Councillor standing for re-election, I’m seeking your support for a further term, so that I can continue to support this important grassroots work.

BEX TWEMLOW: Kia ora koutou katoa, Ko Bex Twemlow tōku ingoa, nō Pine Hill Ōtepoti ahau. The Valley shaped me, taught me grit and the power of our hapori, I now live in Glenleith with my rather large whānau: hubby Paul, our two teens (and a boyfriend), my mum-in-law and sister-in-law, plus Beau and Māia the huskies and Fella the cat.

I believe place-based groups like The Valley Project are exactly how communities thrive, and I will always advocate for stronger, better-resourced community boards across Ōtepoti Dunedin. If that empowerment was given, here’s what I’d love to see grow here (and have shared elsewhere): a Pasture to Plate generator where people of all ages sow, grow, cook and share (or sell) kai, keeping local providers stocked with fresh food from our own soil; expanding hands-on training like He Toki so our rangatahi learn skills while building homes our community needs, creating pride, skills and shelter; accessible funds and shared tools so community projects can flourish with less friction.

Strong and caring neighbourhoods are what make Ōtepoti Dunedin feel like the home she is. This is my home and I wish for my and your kids to feel the same.

PAUL WILLIAMS: My ambition to help Dunedin reach its full potential is by no means aligned to one specific area of our city. It is directed toward all people who live here and hopefully towards people who want to shift here. As some material below lists, Dunedin has an untapped educational asset and it is more than obvious that your diverse, passionate and important valley is a big part of this.

The top priority we all have is allowing our city to reach its full potential while promoting its assets, people, and places. Our path needs to be also fiscally sustainable while all investment is allocated correctly. We must make better decisions when it comes to spending our resident’s precious money. Rates spend needs to be more strategic and accountable if it’s to provide the best return on investment and build better trust from our residents.

We need to have a clearer and more confident voice when it comes to promoting the unrivalled assets that make our place unique and special. This means messaging Dunedin as the NZ centre for ‘excellence in education’ and then shouting about it. We have a vast educational and business landscape that is both untapped and under-promoted. NEV is at the geographical centre of Tertiary education and the correct resources and investment should be promoting this. The council needs less politics, less chat and more accountable action.

I'm born and bred in Dunedin, left for 13 years to follow a career that spanned Wellington, Christchurch and then London. Returned in 2012 to create a successful business (Wine Freedom). As of today, we have a child at high school, a business to run, and a journey still to build upon.

We all need this city to thrive, but it needs help to do this, and this momentum starts at Council. Things need to be done differently and from the start I will do that. That is why if successful my first year’s net Council salary will be donated to three Dunedin Charities.

ANNA KNIGHT: My partner runs a PACT day programme for people with disabilities up the Valley and some very old friends of mine live there, so I do have a few links to NEV! I sat down this week with Our Food Network's chair, Robyn Zink, linked to the Valley Project for instance through their Food Resilience Cooperation Pledge (which you can see here) and whose sustainability and food security goals are dear to my heart. Air pollution concerns in the Valley also interest me: did you know that over 2,000 deaths in Aotearoa each year are attributable to nitrogen dioxide (from cars) and a further 1,300 from fine particulate matter (from domestic fires)?

KARL HART: Interested in standing because he's been on the periphery of politics all his life and has a specific overview based on a background in both traffic and roading management, as well as in education. He believes the Council should consist of more diversity and be directly accountable in it's decisions - he advocates for DCC clinics to address that. He believes it could change the Council from one of ideas to one with a vision that included all outer neighbourhoods (including NEV) and practical steps to achieve that. 

ROBERT HAMLIN: In 2002, my rates were just over $1,000, the City’s infrastructure was in fair condition and the municipal debt was under a hundred million dollars.  Today, the rates on that same house are nearly $4,000, the City’s infrastructure is in a state of disrepair (“ageing”), and the municipal guaranteed debt is approaching 1.5 billion dollars.   The current plans and forecasts indicate that rates and debt will double over the next decade.  Bringing the DCC’s rates demands to nearly half of the single person’s state pension. 

My objective as a Councillor is thus simple  - to stop this from happening.  This means not spending money on things that we don’t need, and ensuring that we get proper value for the things that we do.  As one person’s rates demand is another’s profit, this will not be an easy or a pleasant process, but I am determined to take on the challenge.

JOHN CHAMBERS: Candidate John Chambers is standing with a particular focus on health.
“Hospitals and healthcare are not viewed as core business by the council. But it was the Mayor and Council who rallied support and led the March of 35000 people which successfully prevented a radical downsizing of the new hospital. This is no coincidence. The loss of the Southern District Health Board means that decisions about healthcare are made centrally in Wellington and they can get it wrong. A link between elected local Councillors and health governance in New Zealand dates back to 1885 and the public will look to them again if services are threatened or failing. Chambers would like to DCC to establish proactive monitoring and advocacy. Dunedin residents health matters.”

DANIEL ROONEY: I don't live in the valley, but I feel that I know it quite well. North East Valley holds many wonderful recreational places. We have hosted many family functions within the valley, outdoor functions at Bethunes Gully and Chingford Park (including hiring the stables to turn into Hogwarts for a Harry Potter themed birthday party). Earlier this year we attended Shakespeare in the valley. North East Valley has great facilities that we love as a family. We picnic within the valley regularly.

As an ambulance paramedic I respond to incidents all over Dunedin. I am particularly impressed with how I see people supporting each other in times of crisis. There appears to be a real sense of community.

If elected, I intend to still spend as much time as possible in your part of the world. 

MARITA JOHNSON: I lived in the Student Quarter in 2004. when I first came to Otepoti/Dunedin for 12 months. Dunedin is like a canvas: art all around you. I got to know the lay of the land. The vibrant mix of students, living in the area, and how this often made for interesting games of football, cricket at very odd hours. This was in the days where there was No Code of Conduct Rules from the University. Couch burning, lots of house parties—there are still house parties, but not like it use to be. It had to stop, as the wellbeing of the student was paramount. Hence the Code of Conduct came in to effect in 2007 at the University. 

I work in the area and have done so for over 18 years. I am a Kaitiaki, looking after people and find this satisfactory. This lead me on to Advocacy Work, which has taken me to Parliament.

My reason for standing for Council, is pure and simple: I Am Just Like You. I have struggled, to first have a job, pay the bills, rates being one of them, as it keeps going up! A roof over my head, food on the table. My grass roots values has made me more aware of the people like me who need a voice.

Stop Rate Rises. More parking. Rent freeze. Scrutinise Council spending. Climate Change.

I am committed to the wellbeing of our city as I feel that a healthy resident of Otepoti/ Dunedin will thrive and live their best life.

SARAH DAVIE: I've always admired the community spirit of North East Valley - I've watched the Valley Project since its inception as one of the first 'place-based community organisations' and believe it is such a successful model of a community-led organisation working to build a strong resilient population. 

My children and I live in Mosgiel, but we love visiting our cousins 'in the Valley' and heading out for a game of frisbee golf or chilling in the evening sun. 

I also flatted on North Road in my fourth year as a PhyEd student at the University of Otago! Can't remember the address, but check out the house each time we drive by :) 

HEIKE CEBULLA: Whilst I live in Musselburgh I have a connection to the valley through my work at Logan Park High School where a lot of our whanau come from.

I am also an active member of our local cycle advocacy group and we are working towards safer active transport and there are lots of active transport users in the valley. I am a huge admirer of the activities organised by the Valley project and think that many other neighbourhoods could learn a lot from these.

——————- Dunedin Mayoral Candidates ——————-

JETT GROSHINSKI has lived in North Dunedin, and his partner has lived in NEV. He believes these areas have some unique properties which warrant more attention in local Government.

Jett would like to set up a Community Board for North Dunedin to be represented more in local government, based on the unique concerns of a largely student and low-income section of Dunedin. It’s simple for Council to set up a special interest group, and he’d like to look at eventually separating Dunedin North into its own local ward.

Jett believes the housing stock is definitely a big concern for residents, and that’s based on his personal contact with those affected. He’d like to push for an expansion of a community housing model, meaning that local government would take a significant stake in the housing market over time, making them more likely to keep housing in a safe, rentable condition. Jett believes that while the new Healthy Homes legislation will help the housing situation, enforcement is still down to the local council at the time, and the current admin will take a much softer approach to enforcement on landlords than a more progressive admin might.

Dunedin North, including the Valley, will benefit from Jett’s personal investment in community initiatives and his background in volunteering. He is a trustee for the Winter Carnival and has volunteered in an agency assisting the homeless. Jett likes to focus on being available for his constituents and being present when they have concerns.

Jett takes a pragmatic approach to infrastructure needs and the inevitable effect on rates/rents. He believes that the vast majority of local spending is already on critical infrastructure, there are very little ‘nice to haves’ already, and talk from candidates on reducing waste are not really based in reality. The increase in rates upcoming is based on what’s absolutely needed to bring Dunedin’s infrastructure up to standard.

With regards to a potential increase in council income streams that’s NOT related to rates, Jett wants councils to lobby government for further revenue funding partnerships that may be beneficial, for example partnering with the NZTA.

MICKEY TREADWELL is the Greens-backed candidate for Mayor in Dunedin. A priority for Mickey as regards NEV, is the improvement of Dunedin's housing stock, and particularly in areas with at-risk tenants. In the long term, he would like to introduce a rental WoF system to ensure rentals are safe and warm. In the near term, like Wellington, Mickey would like to see an anonymous rental inspection system implemented by the Council. Mickey believes that we currently have pretty lax enforcement of current healthy homes legislation—fix that, and we may not have to have the conversation about how the cold makes living here quite unbearable.

Mickey also brought up that the Place-Based Community Grants Fund was improved in the DCC's nine-year plan, but hasn't seen a monetary increase since the last time it was looked at. He'd like to see this re-visited. Mickey's key platform is increasing council engagement with, and resources available to, local community groups.

Mickey is interested in Council engaging more with community groups like The Valley Project and Aroha Kaikorai Valley, because he strongly believes that the only way to discover what communities need is to listen to them. He also believes that closer coordination and meetings between various community groups is going to be key to building stronger neighbourhoods.

When asked how the Valley stands to benefit directly from Mickey's Mayoralty, he would like to implement tool kits for common community initiatives, looking at what works in other communities and increasing cross-pollination of ideas. Mickey opined that there's currently quite a gap in how community groups are integrated into Council and he'd like to see that redressed.

As for Mickey's personal connection to other MPs and how this could benefit NEV, Mickey advised that he can go into the Greens Party Policy Committee and lobby directly for issues that affect Dunedin, and this might be quite different to the way other parties work. He also wants to encourage individuals to contact their local MPs in general—it's often more effective than people think.

NZ's council funding is backwards compared to the rest of the OECD (10% of government spending compared to 35% OECD average). Mickey also advises that when people talk about 'waste' in the system, 90% of what council spends is on core infrastructure, so arguments about wastage could be seen as a little disingenuous.
“I’m not usually a joiner – but this was too good an opportunity to miss.”

Prominent Dunedin personality—former lawyer, MP and councillor—Hilary Calvert was musing about her decision to stand for the regional council election, as part of a new Vision Otago team.

“They are such decent people and with such outstanding governance experience. I’m proud to be associated with them,’ Hilary says.

You can see the ODT columnist’s handiwork in the Vision Otago policy guidelines too. “The deal was that we had to be aligned on what the issues were for the region, and have a clear plan on how to solve them. It wasn’t a difficult process. The issues are pretty obvious.”

LYNC ARONSON: My campaign is driven by a simple, hard-hitting truth: Your Superannuation doesn't go up 17.5%, then another 10%, then another 10% after that. But your rates bill does. For people on a fixed income, that's not just unfair; it's completely unsustainable. This is the result of relentless short-term thinking from our council.

I’ve quit my job to dedicate myself full-time to fixing this. My background isn't in politics; it's in getting things done. As Deputy Chairperson of Dunedin Community House, I helped relocate 23 non-profits when we faced a $2.5 million repair crisis. As President of Brain Injury New Zealand, I united 13 regions and secured increased ACC funding nationwide. I have a proven track record of fighting for the tough but necessary cuts to ensure financial sustainability. I've fought for you in Wellington and won. Now, I'll fight for you locally.

Just this year, Whanganui District Council delivered a rates rise of just 2.2% by implementing a long-term plan to drive down costs and find new revenue streams.

My 'Fully Funded Council' plan is a structural fix to do the same for Dunedin.

First, we'll create a City Investment Fund from a partial, 40% Aurora sale, with the $10 million it earns each year used to lower your rates.

Second, we'll use proven AI technology to find $5-7 million in savings from the council's $246 million spend on Staff and Suppliers to pay down debt faster. This means delivering better services for less, like slashing consent times and using smart sensors to fix water leaks.

And third, with a sound financial plan in place, we can afford to double our support for the grassroots community organisations that are the lifeblood of neighbourhoods like the Valley.

Getting a plan like this over the line requires the ability to build a strong coalition. That is my core strength. As President of Brain Injury New Zealand, I united 13 different regions to get things done, and I am ready to work with all councillors to deliver this plan for our city.

——————- ORC Candidate ——————-

Top of Hilary Calvert’s list is the affordability of rates.

“Councils are monopolies. They seem to exist almost apart from their communities, rather than with them. Their appetite for ratepayers’ monies is just enormous.”

Over the past three years, the ORC’s rates have increased 47%. ORC’s staff numbers have more than doubled over the past six years. A new $60 million headquarters building is being constructed in Maclaggan Street.

“Despite that, our rivers and lakes are no cleaner, there are no less pests, there are no initiatives to protect and restore our lakes. That’s not good enough.”

“Reducing rates is critical. Effective policies are critical. You can have both. More money doesn’t make for better solutions as the ORC clearly proves.”

Hilary says that “only a team approach around the council table, with experienced leaders and a clear plan and policies” will make a difference.

Vision Otago’s website is www.visionotago.nz with detailed policies and a clear direction to improve both Otago’s environment and local democracy.