Big decisions are being made about Dunedin’s climate future - without public input.
Take ActionWhat’s happening?
In September 2023, Dunedin City Council adopted a Zero Carbon Plan, a pathway to reducing emissions and building a climate-resilient future. They also agreed to develop two investment packages (High and Medium) to implement the Zero Carbon Plan. This was to be included in the Long Term Plan consultation for public feedback.
But in 2025, Councillor Sophie Barker put forward a motion to remove both funding options from the draft plan. This passed 8-7, meaning Dunedin residents no longer have a say on how the Zero Carbon Plan will be funded.
The community was promised an opportunity to consult on how much should be invested in our climate future. That has now been taken away. We’re giving Dunedin their say by running the public consultation that should have happened.
Why does zero carbon funding matter?
Funding the Zero Carbon Plan means reducing emissions, building climate resilience, and creating healthier and more sustainable communities. It means investing in low-carbon transport, energy efficiency, and green infrastructure that will help Dunedin meet its climate goals while improving the quality of life for current and future generations. Investing in zero carbon initiatives now means avoiding the higher economic, environmental, and social costs of climate change in the future – and reaping the benefits in the meantime!
What were the funding options?
Without proper funding, the Zero Carbon Plan will remain as words on paper, and Dunedin risks falling behind on international climate targets. That’s why Council agreed to explore a high-investment package to implement the plan, with a medium-investment option to fall back on.
Although some projects being funded by Council will contribute to its zero carbon goals, these aren’t enough to have a meaningful impact. When the draft proposed 9 year budget was presented in January, just 3.7% ($69m) would go towards core emissions reduction projects.
High investment package
This comprehensive package aimed to accelerate Dunedin’s progress towards meeting its zero carbon goals by funding several important initiatives:
- Public transport enhancements: Improvements to the city’s bus services to reduce reliance on driving private vehicles.
- Cycling and walking infrastructure: Development of extensive bike lanes and pedestrian pathways to promote active transportation.
- Renewable energy: Investment in solar and wind energy to power municipal buildings and public spaces.
- Energy-efficient building: Upgrades to existing buildings to improve insulation and reduce energy consumption.
- Community education: Initiatives to raise awareness and educate residents on sustainable practices.
The estimated cost for the high-investment package was $101.17 million in capital expenditure and $61.61 million in operational expenditure over 9 years ($162.78 million total).
Medium investment package
This option focused on essential projects to advance the city’s zero carbon objectives, but at a slower pace.
- Selective public transport improvements: Targeted enhancements in high-traffic areas to encourage public transit use.
- Priority cycling and walking paths: Construction of key routes to connect major hubs and residential areas.
- Pilot renewable energy initiatives: Implementation of small-scale renewable projects to assess feasibility.
- Energy efficiency assessments: Conducting audits to identify opportunities for future building improvements.
- Public workshops: Hosting events to engage the community in sustainability discussions.
The estimated cost for the medium package was $35.54 million in capital expenditure and $23.69 in operational expenditure over 9 years ($59.23 million total).
No investment package
In January 2025, Council passed a motion 8 – 7 to remove both investment packages from the Long Term Plan consultation. This means there is no longer any option for targeted funding to implement the Zero Carbon Plan, and the public doesn’t get to have their say.
Have your say on Dunedin’s climate future
Make a submission on how Dunedin City Council should fund the Zero Carbon Plan. This is a community-led consultation. By completing the form below, you will be part of a community submission that will be presented to Councillors as part of the Long Term Plan consultation.
How did Councillors vote?
Sep 2023 Voted to adopt the 2030 Zero Carbon Plan * |
Sep 2023 Voted to develop high and medium investment packages to fund the Zero Carbon Plan ** |
Jan 2025 Voted against removing high and medium investment packages from long-term plan *** |
|
Mayor Jules Radich | |||
Cr Cherry Lucas | |||
Cr Bill Acklin | |||
Cr Sophie Barker | |||
Cr David Benson-Pope | |||
Cr Christine Garey | |||
Cr Kevin Gilbert | |||
Cr Carmen Houlahan | |||
Cr Marie Laufiso | |||
Cr Mandy Mayhem | |||
Cr Jim O’Malley | |||
Cr Lee Vandervis | |||
Cr Steve Walker | |||
Cr Brent Weatherall | |||
Cr Andrew Whiley |
* Motion: “That the council adopts the 2030 zero-carbon plan”.
** Motion: “That the council requests further development of the high-investment scenario for plan implementation as its preferred option, and alternatively a medium-investment scenario, for consideration in the draft 2024-34 long-term plan”.
*** Motion: “That the council decides not to include either high or medium options in the draft nine-year plan because all the papers considered by Council as part of the 9 year plan had Zero carbon assessments”.