Dunedin fares 'comparably well' with other NZ cities through Covid pandemic
Despite the challenges of the global pandemic, Dunedin has fared “comparably well” compared with some other New Zealand cities, according to a new report.
Dunedin's goal is to be one of the world's great small cities and it is already trending favourably compared with other New Zealand cities.
A six-month economic development progress report for the Dunedin City Council provides a progress update on the city’s goals for 2013-23, which include creating an extra 10,000 jobs and about $10,000 of extra income for each person.
The report, to be tabled at the council’s economic committee meeting on Thursday, said: “It is heartening to see that we are trending favourably against other New Zealand cities.
“Despite a very challenging period for the global economy, Dunedin is faring comparably well.’’
The report notes that employment stood at 59,016 in 2013, with the city recording 65,017 in 2021, after losing almost 1000 jobs since 2020 – the start of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Over that same period, the city’s population increased from 123,500 to 133,300.
The average annual household income also leapt from $60,560 in 2013 to $78,862 last year.
Other key indicators showed a 24% rise in new dwelling consents and a 120% increase in non-residential consents in the year ending March 2022 compared with the year before.
Over that same 12-month period, house prices increased 8.1% but there were 14% fewer house sales across the Dunedin market. Meanwhile, car registrations increased 23% and commercial vehicle registrations almost doubled to 46%.
The economic boost comes as the city renews its focus on tractional export opportunities, including the recovery of the international education sector.
The University of Otago had 1468 full fee paying international students in 2019 but that halved to 735 in 2022.
The report highlighted the large number of construction projects under way in the city, including a new hall of residence, the major Dunedin Hospital rebuild, and a new ACC building.
John Gallaher, chairman of Grow Dunedin Partnership – which includes representatives from the Dunedin City Council, Ngāi Tahu, Otago Polytechnic, and the University of Otago – said “our collective mindset shifts from initial recovery to a flourishing future”.
“The activities undertaken by our respective partners are not only laying the foundation for our city to grow and prosper but also contributing to the wellbeing of our residents, now and in the future.”
Dunedin’s economic vision was to be “one of the world’s great small cities”.
“A place renowned as a confident, competitive knowledge centre; a community where enterprise and creativity support a productive and sustainable city,” the report says.
Poll: Should we be giving the green light to new mining projects? 💰🌲
The Environmental Protection Authority announced this week that a proposed mine in Central Otago (near Cromwell) is about to enter its fast-track assessment process. A final decision could come within six months, and if it’s approved, construction might start as early as mid-2026.
We want to know: Should mining projects like this move ahead?
Keen to dig deeper? Mike White has the scoop.
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53.5% Yes
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46.5% No
A riddle to start the festive season 🌲🎁🌟
I'm a fruit. If you take away my first letter, I'm a crime. If you take away my first two letters, I'm an animal. If you take away my first and last letter, I'm a form of music. What am I?
Do you think you know the answer? Simply 'Like' this post if you know the answer and the big reveal will be posted in the comments at 2pm on the day!
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Head here and hover on the Following button on the top right of the page (and it will show Unfollow) and then click it. If it is giving you the option to Follow, then you've successfully unfollowed the Riddles page.
‘Tis the season to not get scammed ...
As Christmas gift shopping moves increasingly online, scammers are ramping up their activity across the country.
Dunedin’s Investigation Support Unit is seeing more and more people fall victim to scams and other fraudulent activity, particularly on Facebook Marketplace.
There are a few ways to avoid the scams and keep yourself safe doing online trades this holiday season, says Southern District Service Delivery Manager Senior Sergeant Dalton.
🔒 “A good first step when looking to purchase something on Marketplace is to check when the seller’s Facebook profile was created. If it’s very recent, there is a higher risk that they have just created this account for a one-off fake item.”
🔒 Another important step is to make sure the seller’s profile name and bank account name match up. “We’re seeing a lot of scammers claiming their bank account name is different because it belongs to their partner or family member - that’s a huge red flag."
🔒 “When you’re selling, never trust a screenshot anyone sends you showing that payment has been made. Check your own bank account to make sure a payment has gone through."
🔒 “Quite frankly, it’s best for all parties to agree to pay, or be paid, for items in cash and in-person. Ideally in a public place with CCTV coverage."
🔒 "If you’re buying a car, check Carjam.co.nz to see if it’s stolen or if there’s money owed on it.”
A reminder: Suspicious activity can be reported on 105
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