Dr John Montgomery, who is also an economist and author, told about 50 people at a recent public lecture he "rather liked Dunedin and its buildings", as well as the obvious central meeting space of the Octagon.
He said if he was to make any suggestions, it would be for Dunedin to diversify its economic base, and to look at strengthening its innovation businesses, cultural quarters, creative design industries and arts businesses and manufacturing outlets.
Successful cities "needed things which were unique" and creative technologies, which could build on the work already being done at the University of Otago and Otago Polytechnic, could be Dunedin's point of difference, he said.
"You have got something here not every city has. You could encourage new [creative] businesses and provide low-cost places for them to rent."
Dr Montgomery, who has contributed to city revitalisation projects all over the world for more than 25 years, is regarded as a leading authority on the "evening economy" - hospitality, leisure and arts businesses and activities which keeps cities alive after office hours.
He is in New Zealand on holiday to attend the Rugby World Cup and offered to speak to planners at the Invercargill City Council, Dunedin City Council corporate policy manager Nicola Johnston said.
The Dunedin City Council invited him north to meet council staff working on the Your City Our Future planning document, and to give the public lecture.
Dr Montgomery had chatted informally with staff and shared useful ideas, she said.
"He reinforced that the approach the council has been taking in looking at the future shape of the city has been the right one - that it is in line with the approach taken in successful cities overseas."
Dr Montgomery had also made interesting suggestions, Ms Johnston said.
One which appealed to her was turning alleyways from forgotten places into creative spaces with the addition of art works.
