The Dunedin City Council will soon be consulting on the 2024-2034 Economic Development Strategy and everyone will have the opportunity to add their opinions to what they think should drive the city’s economic future.
As the current chairman of the DCC’s economic development committee and a committee member since October 2013, I feel I am well-placed to start the commentary on what the future strategy should look like.
Importantly, I hope this opinion piece sparks off your thinking and that you then will take the time to provide your thoughts in a future consultation process.
The 2013-2023 EDS set the groundwork for growth in population, wages and regional GDP. I believe we did tick most of the boxes. However, it did help the city to have a plan around economic development after we had come out of a very challenging time with some of our leading companies shutting down or departing the city in 2013.
Something that wasn’t factored in that EDS was Dunedin becoming New Zealand’s "Gig City" and the digital pathway the city took. This was a game-changer in how the city transitioned from a traditional manufacturing business base to one with a strong focus on a digital and innovation economy. Now, when we look around Dunedin, we see many world-leading tech and information companies based here and we are also home to CODE (Centre of Digital Excellence).
Dunedin has also benefited from investment from the National and Labour governments. We realised economic benefits from all the government jobs especially across education and health sectors. Examples include the hospital build, the investment with the new ACC building, upgrades around the University of Otago and Otago Polytechnic, and the new Hillside Workshops.
Looking forward, over the next 10 years I believe the key for Dunedin will be a strategy that establishes an environment that attracts further innovation and investment. Digital industries, especially in health, gaming and film, will continue to grow. Who is going to be the next Oritain, Animation Research or ADI Instruments?
I believe Dunedin is also a great location to become a leader in incubating new technologies as our city is extremely well connected. The university, polytechnic, medical community, manufacturers and business leaders are all positive about Dunedin as a great place in which to do business, with the ability to connect to develop future world-leading products. When it comes to funding and investment, we do need to tell our story so investors will appreciate the ease and ability to develop and grow businesses. We also need to utilise and grow our sister-city relationships and foster new ones, especially throughout Asia.
Tourism will continue to be a major part of our city’s economic engine and this will continue, as Dunedin is a great city to visit with amazing tourism offerings.
We are a highly ranked cruise destination and our world-famous wildlife is continuing to attract thousands of visitors every year. The Taieri Gorge railway is still very popular and, as we have seen over the last couple of years, riding a bike around our waterfront is extremely popular.
Probably what we do undersell when it comes to Dunedin’s economic development strategy are the positives of living in Dunedin. It is a wonderful city for lifestyle.
We have a great environment with lots to do; our education and healthcare systems are world class. We are a perfect size city where everyone can easily connect, with a diversity of skills and talents, so anything is possible.
This new economic development strategy will consider the city’s approach to "resident wellbeing" and "Zero Carbon 2030". We must ensure all residents have an improved quality of life and factor in city growth of another 10,000 residents between now and 2034.
The 2024-2034 strategy will need to have a bold vision with positive leadership across economic partnerships of the city.
We will need to tell our story and share it nationally and globally. I believe we need to strengthen our city branding with a strong focus on business, tourism, and lifestyle.
For me, what will success look like in 2034?
That the Dunedin story has become world famous and is the envy of other cities around the world.
That our city has seen growth and residents have a strong appreciation for our city and lifestyle and are championing what is happening.
— Andrew Whiley is a Dunedin City Councillor and Chair of Economic Development.
