Predator Free Dunedin: Where Candidates Stand
Community Ranger Kai overlooks Otago Harbour and Peninsula from Sandymount. Otago Peninsula - a key part of PFD’s landscape-scale approach - is recognised as central to the city’s identity as the "Wildlife Capital of New Zealand".
Ahead of the local body elections, Predator Free Dunedin reached out to all candidates running for Dunedin City Council (DCC) and Otago Regional Council (ORC). We asked them two key questions to understand their position on our city's natural heritage and its protection:
What place do you think Dunedin’s biodiversity and natural environment hold in shaping the city’s identity and future success?
If elected to council, how would you support the continuation of Predator Free Dunedin?
The response was overwhelmingly positive - showing a shared and deep appreciation for the importance of Ōtepoti Dunedin’s natural environments, and the work being done to protect our native taoka.
Key Themes from the Candidates
Several clear themes emerged from the candidates who took the time to respond.
On Dunedin’s Identity and Biodiversity:
There was a strong consensus that Ōtepoti Dunedin's identity as the "Wildlife Capital of Aotearoa" is a defining feature of the city. Candidates frequently highlighted that our unique biodiversity and accessible natural landscapes are not just “nice-to-haves”, but are fundamental to the city's economic success through tourism and are essential for the wellbeing and quality of life of its residents.
On Supporting Predator Free Dunedin:
When it came to practical support, candidates' proposals fell into several key areas. Many pledged to be strong advocates for continued and increased funding for Predator Free Dunedin’s efforts through inclusion in long-term budget allocation and consideration for funds such as the ORC’s Large-Scale Environmental Fund. There was also widespread recognition of the project’s success - with some candidates recounting this from first-hand experience. Finally, many candidates showed a commitment to evidence-based policy, including listening to expert advice from groups such as Predator Free Dunedin and considering measures that strengthen biosecurity.
We believe voters deserve to know where their candidates stand on this critical issue. To read every response in full, you can access the complete spreadsheet below.