My specific proposals are in contrast to Cr. Barker’s aspirations.

e.g.

“Cr Vandervis: Dunedin needs to “be free of” the Otago Regional Council. “We need to reclaim our port and our harbourside.” A unitary council should be established in Dunedin. “Once we get this new model where we have a single council, we will then be able to lead the development of Dunedin in a way that hasn’t been possible in the past.”

Cr Barker: We need to “re-envision” the city. “I’ve been working on a bit of a vision, which is around the best place to live in New Zealand, where people live fulfilled lives in a connected city that’s safe and accessible for all, where our standard of living is enhanced by our treasured environment, a prosperous city with meaningful jobs and strong communities resilient to climate change, a smart city respecting heritage while innovating for our future.” Bold ambition is required, and a plan has to have smart, measurable goals.

Governance, leadership and accountable decision-making

Cr Vandervis: “As mayor, I intend to make sure that only relevant decisions get put in front of the council and that much of the submissions industry, much of the international politics and much of the virtue signalling that goes on at council simply doesn’t get on to the agenda in the first place.” He would push for slimmed-down meeting agendas. Better agendas should lead to better results.”