It is not yet known if mana whenua will back the plan but the position of runanga will become clear when the council seeks a resource consent.
City councillors on Tuesday endorsed construction of a 3m-wide boardwalk between the Portobello Boat Club and the township, favouring a redesign of part of the Peninsula Connection project, rather than proceeding with what had already been consented in Latham Bay.
Consent has been granted for a 1.5m-wide footpath using the existing sealed Portobello Rd shoulder, but disadvantages of that option include cyclists having to share the road with vehicles.
Council staff also raised concerns about an "inconsistent" cycling and pedestrian experience, given how the rest of the shared path had been developed.
The council voted unanimously for the change of plan, after Cr Lee Vandervis left the council meeting amid a refusal to withdraw statements he made during debate.
A $1.5 million increase in the 2021-31 project budget was needed, although just over half would be funded by Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency and some more might be clawed back through another funding avenue.
The change in approach from the council followed what appeared to be a change of heart in the community, now considered to be clearly in favour of the boardwalk.
Cr Vandervis was one councillor who noted the council was being asked to make a call when there had not been a clear indication about where runanga stood.
Council chief executive Sandy Graham said it was felt the best approach was to take a changed council position to runanga, if councillors favoured change.
Mana whenua have been clear they do not support further reclamation of Otago Harbour.
There was engagement with mana whenua between 2011 and 2013, when the initial concept included boardwalks.
Engagement at the time was carried out with Runanga o Otakou, Runaka ki Puketeraki, Heritage New Zealand and other parties.
Heritage NZ required a historic seawall in the area to be visible.
Council staff said the boardwalk was opposed by the local community at the time, but attitudes had since shifted.
Dunedin deputy mayor Christine Garey, an advocate for completion of the Peninsula Connection project, including parts that remain unfunded, said the council had listened to the community.
"We will be the envy of so many other cities when this project is completed," she said.
Dunedin Mayor Aaron Hawkins said it was cynical of Cr Vandervis to invoke the concerns of runanga as a reason for opposing the new plan.
Cr David Benson-Pope was one of several councillors who said it would enhance safety and he was pleased the community had changed its attitude.
It would also create a better link to a harbour ferry crossing.
Cr Rachel Elder said a path where the width changed from 3m to 1.5m would have made people feel unsafe.
Cr Jules Radich said the boardwalk would add to Portobello’s attractiveness as a destination.
Cr Marie Laufiso said the Peninsula Connection project had benefits for the whole city.
