Plans unveiled at Green Dunedin campaign launch

Dunedin mayoral candidate Aaron Hawkins nailed his colours to the mast at the Green Dunedin campaign launch last night, unveiling a million-dollar nature fund proposal, promising cheaper public transport and proposing the sale of Wall Street Mall to fund cheaper housing.

The event also served as the launch of Marie Laufiso's campaign to be re-elected to the Dunedin City Council, and Scott Willis' bid for a seat on the Otago Regional Council.

All three are endorsed by the Green Party.

Cr Hawkins, who has stood for the mayoralty in the past three elections, said if elected the trio would establish a "fighting fund for nature".

It would be co-funded by the Dunedin and Otago Regional Councils and support commercial and community initiatives which contributed to environmental goals, he said.