Epere on driving charges, now faces drugs charges after police raid

From: Hamish McNeilly [Fairfax Dunedin Bureau Chief]
Sent: Wednesday, 16 December 2015 6:16 p.m.
To: Elizabeth Kerr
Subject: So Albert Epere on drug raid. See my earlier links

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Gang member loses gardening contract with Dunedin Council after arrested for speeding
By Hamish McNeilly Last updated 17:11, December 16 2015
A gang member has lost his contract to maintain Dunedin’s public gardens after he was arrested for racing on a state highway. In October, the Dunedin City Council awarded Mauri Kohatu Incorporated, a $52,000 trial contract to maintain some city greenspaces until June 30, 2016. […] In a statement issued late Wednesday, the council said it suspended its trial social procurement contract with Mauri Kohatu after becoming aware of Epere’s alleged offending on Monday.
http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/75172101/gang-member-loses-gardening-contract-with-dunedin-council-after-arrested-for-speeding

Man arrested after police raid on Dunedin gang pad
By Hamish McNeilly Last updated 13:45, December 16 2015
Armed police took part in an early morning raid of a Dunedin gang house. Police raided a Pine Hill Rd property on Wednesday morning and arrested a 49-year-old man. The property was understood to be connected with Black Power.
http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/75154505/man-arrested-after-police-raid-on-dunedin-gang-pad

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Related Posts and Comments:
14.12.15 Epere arrested
13.10.15 Stuff: DCC to pay Epere $37 an hour
12.10.15 alfred e cull
11.10.15 DCC: Numpty – Cull – Epere
6.10.15 DCC suckered by Black Power leader
9.3.15 DCC patched: How NZ Herald sells our “story” #gangs
8.7.14 DCC: Mayor Cull and council staff consort with criminal gangs

█ Embarrassing for Dave Cull, Sue Bidrose, Rebecca Williams and all the uninformed Do-gooder councillors and staff at Dunedin City Council who wanted to throw ratepayers’ money at criminal gangs.

Douglas Field 16 Dec 2015 [click to enlarge]

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Posted by Elizabeth Kerr

Epere arrested

Link received from Hamish McNeilly
14/12/2015 3:32 pm (GMT+12:00)

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### Stuff.co.nz Last updated 13:51 14/12/2015
Gang member on Dunedin City Council contract arrested for driving incident
By Hamish McNeilly
A gang member who secured a $52,000 contract with the Dunedin City Council has been arrested after an alleged driving incident. Police were called by concerned motorists following reports two southbound vehicles were passing on double yellow lines south of Palmerston, about 5pm on Sunday.
The vehicles – a 2008 black Holden Commodore Clubsport and a blue 2000 Holden Commodore Berlina, each containing two adults and three children – allegedly reached speeds up to 150kmh as they passed each other.
Officers pulled over the two vehicles near the Dunedin suburb of Pine Hill, and arrested the two male drivers, aged 49 and 50. […] One of the drivers involved was understood to be Albert Epere.
Read more

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Related Posts and Comments:
13.10.15 Stuff: DCC to pay Epere $37 an hour
12.10.15 alfred e cull
11.10.15 DCC: Numpty – Cull – Epere
6.10.15 DCC suckered by Black Power leader
9.3.15 DCC patched: How NZ Herald sells our “story” #gangs
8.7.14 DCC: Mayor Cull and council staff consort with criminal gangs

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Posted by Elizabeth Kerr

Stuff: DCC to pay Epere $37 an hour

### Stuff.co.nz Last updated 11:41, October 13 2015
Gang member’s council contract: $37 an hour and no patches allowed
By Hamish McNeilly
A gang member will be paid $37 an hour and forbidden to wear gang regalia as part of a Dunedin City Council weed control contract. […] Black Power member Albert Epere would control weeds, litter and maintain paths at six Dunedin sites until June 30, 2016. A copy reveals the $52,000 plus GST contract was based on a 30-hour working week with a fee schedule of $37 an hour.
Read more

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Related Posts and Comments:
12.10.15 alfred e cull
11.10.15 DCC: Numpty – Cull – Epere
6.10.15 DCC suckered by Black Power leader
9.3.15 DCC patched: How NZ Herald sells our “story” #gangs
8.7.14 DCC: Mayor Cull and council staff consort with criminal gangs

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Posted by Elizabeth Kerr

*Image: lantapix via 123rf.com – man with lawn mower

DCC: Numpty – Cull – Epere

Received from Douglas Field
Sun, 11 Oct 2015 at 10:34 a.m.

Pip’s comment. The sock puppet, Dave, with ‘friends’.
[click to enlarge]

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Related Posts and Comments:
6.10.15 DCC suckered by Black Power leader
9.3.15 DCC patched: How NZ Herald sells our “story” #gangs
8.7.14 DCC: Mayor Cull and council staff consort with criminal gangs

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Posted by Elizabeth Kerr

DCC suckered by Black Power leader

Photo (detail) by Ross Setford via 3news.co.nz

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Received from Gavin Bartle
Tue, 6 Oct 2015 at 10:51 a.m.

On 6/10/15 10:20 am, “Gavin Bartle” wrote:

Dear elected representatives, [DCC]

Today I read with horror an ODT article that DCC is channeling ratepayer funds to an active senior member of an organised criminal group.

I’m not sure what kind of game you all think your playing, but is an absolutely unacceptable use of rates money.

This man, Albert Epere, is a current and active member of a vile violent group of thugs that prey on honest Dunedin citizens, he is in no way reformed or renounced his criminal associations.

This funding must be stopped and the contract terminated, the staff who allowed this must be instructed not to be so foolish again.

http://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/358318/gangster-secures-52500-contract

Thanks
Gavin Bartle

From: Lee Vandervis
Date: 6 October 2015 at 10:44
Subject: Re: rates money funnelled to organised crime
To: Gavin Bartle

Hi Gavin.

That I agree with you, is suggested by my request for information today as below.

Kind regards,
Lee

—— Forwarded Message
From: Lee Vandervis
Date: Tue, 06 Oct 2015 09:29:43 +1300
To: Sue Bidrose, Sandy Graham, Andrew Noone, Andrew Whiley, Chris Staynes, Doug Hall, Hilary Calvert, John Bezett, Jinty MacTavish, Kate Wilson, Lee Vandervis, Mayor Cull, Mike Lord, Neville Peat, Richard Thomson, David Benson-Pope, Aaron Hawkins
Conversation: Gangster’s DCC Contract – LGOIMA requests for information
Subject: Gangster’s DCC Contract – LGOIMA requests for information

Dear Sue, Sandy, and Mayor Cull,

Who made the actual decision to award a $52,500 DCC Contract to a gang leader outside of the contractual requirements specified in our DCC Procurement documents?
Will the gang leader Mr Albert Epere be contracted to do the work personally himself, or is he contractually free to ‘arrange’ others to do the actual Contract work?
Why did Councillors not get the opportunity to debate and decide on this clearly political departure from DCC Procurement process?
Have the Audit and Risk Subcommittee given their stamp of approval to this risky departure from best Contracting practice?
Please forward a copy of the full original contract awarded to Mr Epere.

Regarding Mongrel Mob and Black Power access to DCC contracts Mayor Cull is quoted by TV3 as saying “The work is on a trial basis and the gangs would have to “satisfy” the chief executive and show they were up to the job before being awarded a contract, Mr Cull says.”

Read more: http://www.3news.co.nz/nznews/mongrel-mob-and-black-power-bid-for-council-lawn-contracts-2015030913#ixzz3nj6k6e77

What has Mr Epere, leader of Black Power, done to satisfy our CEO that he is up to the job under the terms of our Procurement and Audit and Risk procedures?

Regards,
Cr. Vandervis

—— End of Forwarded Message

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█ 6.10.15 ODT: Gang boss secures council contract
A Black Power kingpin with multiple prison stints behind him has won a $52,500 Dunedin City Council contract to maintain several areas of the city’s public land. […] The contract was signed yesterday and covers land in Opoho, St Leonards, Abbotsford, Logan Park, Caversham Bypass and Bridge St.

Albert Epere, a patched Black Power leader has served prison terms for assault and grievous bodily harm.

Rebecca Williams [DCC] said she did not know “anything about becoming a Black Power member” and confirmed the council had not looked into what it took to become a patched gang member as part of its due diligence for the contract.

Rebecca and Mad Hatter Cull with Black Power member. Douglas Field (6.10.15)

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█ 8.5.12 ODT: Five sentenced over Dunedin gang clash
With Epere, Ryan and Witehira, the judge acknowledged they had all been out of serious trouble since about 2003 and Epere and Witehira were now involved in organisations putting something back into the community. And Ryan had moved away from Dunedin and was taking steps to sort out his life.

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Related Posts and Comments:
9.3.15 DCC patched: How NZ Herald sells our “story” #gangs
8.7.14 DCC: Mayor Cull and council staff consort with criminal gangs

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Posted by Elizabeth Kerr

DCC patched: How NZ Herald sells our “story” #gangs

NZ Herald Online 9.3.15 [screenshot detail]

█ Read more at this earlier post with comments — DCC: Mayor Cull and council staff consort with criminal gangs

█ ODT/DCC bilge direct Link
Comments disallowed at ODT Online.

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Posted by Elizabeth Kerr

DCC adds staff positions, significant ratepayer cost

Two permanent full-time project co-ordinators to run the Project China and Export Education Uplift initiatives.

### ODT Online Tue, 21 Oct 2014
Vandervis takes aim over funding request
By Chris Morris
There were heated exchanges between Dunedin city councillors as a debate over an economic development funding request turned into a spat yesterday. The dust-up came as councillors considered a request from the Grow Dunedin Partnership to use $190,000 a year from existing council budgets to pay staff salaries for two projects during the next three years.
Read more

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█ Report – EDC – 20/10/2014 (PDF, 126.7 KB)
Economic Development Strategy Projects Budget – Project Co-ordinators’ Funding Request

From the report…

Enterprise Dunedin’s EDS projects budget is $518,000 for the current 2014/2015 financial year and has yet to be ratified for the 2015/16 year and future years. This budget pays for progressing EDS projects and includes payment for the project co-ordinators and project management costs.

RECOMMENDATIONS
That the Committee:

1. Approve the earmarking of $190,000 on an annual basis from the Economic Development Project Budget for the purpose of employing two project co-ordinators.

2. That this funding be included as two line items within the Economic Development Project fund for a period of three years:
- Export Education Uplift Co-ordinator – $95,000
- Project China Co-ordinator – $95,000

BACKGROUND
Dunedin’s Economic Development Strategy (EDS) was adopted in 2013 by its six partners. There are two specific economic goals:

1. 10,000 extra jobs over 10 years (requiring employment growth of approximately 2% per annum.

2. An average of $10,000 extra income for each person (requiring GDP per capita to rise by about 2.5% per annum).

. . .

The Strategy is built around five themes:
1. Business vitality
2. Alliances for innovation
3. A hub of skills and talent
4. Linkages beyond our borders
5. A compelling destination

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Related Posts and Comments:
14.8.14 Mayor Cull’s reflections on Edinburgh #SisterCity #Junkets
21.4.14 Dunedin economic development strategy — low flying Year 1
15.3.13 Dunedin showcase (election year tripe): economic development strategy
19.6.12 DRAFT Dunedin Economic Development Strategy
31.5.12 Public Forum: Dunedin’s DRAFT Economic Development Strategy

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Posted by Elizabeth Kerr

Daaave Dodo Cull —highly evolved from turkey

### ODT Online Mon, 22 Sep 2014
Cull calls for end to exploitation
By Timothy Brown
Dunedin’s mayor has added his voice to the chorus of local politicians calling for an end to worker exploitation. Speaking to the Otago Daily Times about the issue recently, Dave Cull said: “It’s a major focus of council to create jobs in this community, but not sweatshop jobs. Those employers aren’t welcome, we don’t want them and we don’t need them.”
Read more

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█ Sketchy outline of Dodo Daaave’s confusion:

On results of the latest Residents’ Opinion Survey (ROS 2014):

“Mayor Dave Cull said it was ironic the community rated economic development, jobs and businesses so highly given changes to local Government meant councils no longer had a mandate to work in that area.” ODT 29.7.14

****

█ Dodo Daaave saves jobs from extinction:

Dunedin Economic Development Strategy (2013), a blueprint for increasing incomes and job opportunities for Dunedin people —creating 10,000 jobs and lifting the median income by $10,000 pa within 10 years.

Partners: Dunedin City Council, Ngai Tahu, Otago Chamber of Commerce, Otago Polytechnic, Otago Southland Employers Association, and University of Otago.

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Related Posts and Comments:
1.9.14 Cull’s council spent the cash
9.9.14 DCC: More loose spending on Cull’s watch #SexySummerJobs wtf
14.8.14 Mayor Cull’s reflections on Edinburgh #SisterCity #Junkets
23.7.14 Eddie Cull suffering lead singer’s disease?
23.7.14 Minister of Finance Bill English on Dunedin governance #Regions #Cull
8.7.14 DCC: Mayor Cull and council staff consort with criminal gangs
21.4.14 Dunedin economic development strategy — low flying Year 1
5.3.14 Stadium: Mayor Cull stuck in his rut, ‘going forward’
23.2.14 Mayor Cull ‘handshakes’ Hodgson
24.12.13 Daaave’s $47 million Christmas present to Jinty. We’re paying.
17.11.13 Cull, MacTavish: (to borrow a phrase) “Have you fixed the debt crisis?”
19.8.13 Cull on senility (firing up graduates)
8.7.14 Bloody $tupid cycleways and Cull’s electioneering…
30.4.13 Shrinkwrap the Mayor of Dunedin —Cull snubs Dalai Lama #shame
15.3.13 Dunedin showcase (election year tripe): economic development strategy
28.9.12 Turkey. Cull.

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Posted by Elizabeth Kerr

*Image: thegreenupgirl.com – Dodo bird

Chamber’s Own Goals —Heritage

Peter McIntyre and John Christie from the Otago Chamber of Commerce had lots to say about the rejuvenation of Dunedin’s heritage fabric and the city’s “vibrancy” after their trip to Portland, Oregon in 2011. What they said then is directly contradicted by the Chamber’s submission on the application for resource consent to redevelop the New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Building (31-33 Thomas Burns Street) for residential use.

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█ Full annotated copy | CoC Own Goals – Heritage (PDF 1.51 MB)

Related Posts and Comments:
11.8.14 NZ Loan and Mercantile Building (audio)
8.8.14 NZ Loan and Mercantile Agency Co Ltd Building…

█ For more, enter the terms *loan and mercantile* or *harbourside* in the search box at right.

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Posted by Elizabeth Kerr

DCC: Mayor Cull and council staff consort with criminal gangs

Image: article.wn.com

First alert of Bro Cull’s mixing with criminal gangs: a joint submission by Notorious Mongrel Mob and Black Power to the DCC Draft Annual Plan 2014/15.

Supposedly this is a very cool thing to spend ratepayer money on: the rehabilitation of violent mobsters and thugs, or their drug-damaged lower ranks – they and their ‘equipment’ financed on the proceeds of serious crime.

Of course, this ‘news’ to law abiding citizens (the very few left at Dunedin) also brought a number of clots out of the trenches to say how freaking wonderful and ah, what a grand and sympathetic gesture it is, raining congratulations on Mr Go-between Cull for getting these guys Sorted ~!!!!

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### ODT Online Fri, 9 May 2014
Dunedin gangs keen for work after burying hatchet
By Vaughan Elder
After burying the hatchet, the Notorious Mongrel Mob and Black Power are keen to take up a council contract and cut some of Dunedin’s grass. The once warring gangs gave a joint submission at yesterday’s annual plan hearings, asking councillors to consider giving them a contract to maintain some of the council’s green space. They also asked for access to City Forests to provide firewood for families who struggled to stay warm during the winter.
Read more

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Are other community groups in need of manual work being similarly advantaged? Is this another mayoral spending gesture like the one affecting the clan of Taranaki.

Our dear Mr Cull — such generosity, as Dunedin City Council burns down around him, awash with its own plagues (plural) of multimillion-dollar fraud and corruption. All chargeable to the ratepayers.

Lord, have mercy, the gangs of ill repute – the violent assaulters, drug manufacturers and dealers, serial rapists, murderers and burnt out amongst them – are Dunedin ratepayers too. Enlightenment and Empathy are JUST CRAZY like their patches.

****

BUT THEN

“We are looking at perhaps having a [trial] under the economic development strategy.” –Rebecca Williams, DCC

### ODT Online Tue, 8 Jul 2014
DCC considering contracts for gangs
By Vaughan Elder
The Dunedin City Council is investigating giving council contracts to Notorious Mongrel Mob and Black Power.
This comes after the once warring gangs made national headlines when they gave a joint submission at annual plan hearings in May, asking councillors to consider giving them a contract to maintain some of the council’s green space. Dunedin Mayor Dave Cull said since then council staff – as part of a wider review of procurement practices – had begun looking at ways council contracts could be awarded to smaller groups, such as the gangs. This would likely involve breaking up some council contracts into smaller packages, Mr Cull said.
Read more

The ratepayers of Dunedin City owe these clowns Nothing.

This correspondent puts it marvellously well at ODT Online:

Good initiative
Submitted by farsighted on Tue, 08/07/2014 – 8:19am.

This is no different than previous council contracts being awarded to Delta, for example.

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Posted by Elizabeth Kerr

DCC: Draft arts and culture strategy (read another major spend up?)

OH GOD, BUT IS IT GREEN
Do we really need a (hopeless) arts strategy when we’re TOO BUSY bankrolling Professional Rugby and committing Assault at Stadium ???

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Dunedin City Council – Media Release
Making Creativity a Top Priority

This item was published on 19 Jun 2014

Arts and culture should be at the core of our city, according to Toi Ao – Our Creative Future, the draft Ōtepoti Dunedin Arts and Culture Strategy.

Dunedin City Councillor Aaron Hawkins who has been closely involved with the preparation of the draft Strategy, says, “This is a great opportunity for the city to acknowledge the importance art and culture to our community’s quality of life. Having watched this strategy develop, I’m excited about it being at the stage where we can soon share it with Dunedin people, and see how it fits with their ambitions and aspirations. Dunedin has a rich tradition of developing, and attracting, world class talent. What we don’t always to so well is celebrate our successes. We need to look at how we can encourage excellence, and at the same time weave creative expression into the fabric of our public spaces and everyday lives.”

The draft Strategy has been developed in partnership with arts and culture collective Transforming Dunedin. The Strategy draws on the results of previous community consultation, including the Transforming Dunedin Symposium and follow-on work, DCC consultation on strategic priorities for the city and a review of other arts and culture strategies in New Zealand and overseas.

The Strategy’s purpose is to set the direction when it comes to future support for arts and culture in Dunedin. It aims to position Dunedin as one of the world’s finest creative small cities. The intention is to move to a place where arts, culture and creativity are fully integrated into the city’s brand and identity and recognised as critical to Dunedin’s success.

There are a wide range of goals, which include bringing a creative perspective to city decision-making, creating new ways for people to participate in arts and culture, and ensuring Dunedin people can experience the best of local, national and international arts and culture.

DCC Group Manager Arts and Culture Bernie Hawke describes the development of the draft Arts and Culture Strategy as “a significant milestone in developing a framework for supporting and fostering arts and culture across the city. “The forthcoming community consultation on the draft Strategy will be important to ensure that the Strategy represents the priorities and directions of the community.”

█ The draft Strategy will be discussed by the Council at its meeting on Monday, 23 June. Subject to approval by the Council, the draft Strategy is expected to be released for widespread public consultation in late July/August.

█ ‘Toi Au – Our Creative Future’, Draft Ōtepoti Dunedin Arts and Culture Strategy (PDF, 872.4 KB)

Contact Group Manager Arts and Culture on 03 477 4000.
DCC Link

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### dunedintv.co.nz June 19, 2014 – 6:03pm
New arts and culture strategy developed
The Dunedin City Council has developed a new arts and culture strategy. It sets the direction for investment and support of creative activities and events in the city. And on Monday, the document will be tabled for discussion by councillors, before going out to public consultation.
Video

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Posted by Elizabeth Kerr

Thoughts on marketing

Received from Hype O’Thermia
Sun, 8 Jun 2014 at 11:11 am

Strategy guru, Harvard Business School professor Michael Porter was speaking at the World Business Forum in Sydney on Wednesday and highlighted two key features of a good business strategy.
http://www.stuff.co.nz/business/industries/10127196/The-value-of-unhappy-customers

“….1. Choose a distinctive value proposition.

Porter says leaders must decide which customers they are serving and then work out what are the needs of those customers that the business is a “master” at fulfilling.

“We can be pretty good at some things, but what are we going to stand out on? Customer services? Product design? Customisation? Which particular needs of that set of customers do we really want to meet and what price will we ask?”

Leaders should decide what the value proposition is and how it compares with competitors.

“Because, unless we have a unique value proposition, unless we have different answers to these questions than our competitors, then we have no strategy. We are just competing on operational effectiveness,” he says…..”

The university / rugby / stadium would do well to look at that and ask how their “marketing” lines up with that sensible advice.

Tourists and other visitors do not come here for a stadium. Some come here to watch a game, a concert. Where it is held is of little importance. When it’s what they want to see – it’s what they want to see.

Over-filling accommodation and eats and drinks venues once in a while is poor business. It’s a big boom, long bust strategy. It’s temp staff working their guts out, then days and weeks, possibly months, of having short hours and thin paydays.

Amusements as an attraction to students is likely to attract young people who are more interested in prolonged privileged adolescence than the quality of the teaching and research available. Fostering these people as bar clients is an effective way of parting them from their money, at some cost to the rest of us in terms of messy antisocial behaviour, and isn’t doing them any long-term favours. We have seen something in the drive to cater to students, that is not unlike the cynical placement of disproportionate numbers of pokies in low-income suburbs.

[ends]

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Posted by Elizabeth Kerr

DCC $tar-ship enterprise

Prepare for intergalactic exchange…

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More structural changes inside the council, including across its property group, are expected to be announced today by chief executive Sue Bidrose.

### ODT Online Fri, 2 May 2014
Agency given a name
By Debbie Porteous
The new Dunedin marketing agency to co-ordinate tourism, events, investment, skills and migrant promotion efforts for the city will be known as Enterprise Dunedin. Dunedin City Council […] was to form the new agency, moving Tourism Dunedin in-house, from July 1. The agency would be responsible for economic development and city marketing and consist of the council’s present economic development unit, i-Site and Tourism Dunedin staff.
Read more

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Updated post 3.5.14

New team structure unveiled
Following consultation with staff the decision was made to retain property staff as one team. A new property manager, in a lower level management position than previously, would oversee the team and report to infrastructure and networks general manager Tony Avery. However, ownership, and therefore any final decisions, of the investment property portfolio would sit with group chief financial officer Grant McKenzie.
ODT Link

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Posted by Elizabeth Kerr

*Images: 3.bp.blogspot.com – NSE bridge; odt.co.nz – Grant McKenzie (re-imaged by whatifdunedin)

Dunedin economic development strategy — low flying Year 1

Call a meeting with local business representatives… does this speakfest qualify as formal reporting (audit) of ‘first-year’ progress for Dunedin’s economic development strategy, through the touted partnership process? Perhaps this is ‘same-old’ head chasing tail stuff? Ratepayers and residents deserve to know how much money DCC is wasting on partnership activity, junkets and promotion. What are the true gains or losses to DCC on fostering this ‘investment’? Cr Chris Staynes, be accountable and transparent for the council pigs that fly.

█ Dunedin’s Economic Development Strategy BY DUNEDIN FOR DUNEDIN AND BEYOND 2013-2023 (PDF, 1408 KB)

****

The Otago Southland Employers Association “had reviewed export capacity” and was “focusing on mentoring and assisting medium to small companies to improve their exports”.

### ODT Online Mon, 21 Apr 2014
City development a long game: Staynes
By Debbie Porteous
Cr Chris Staynes told about 150 members of Dunedin’s business community gathered recently for an update on the city’s year-old economic development strategy that a partnership of the city council, Ngai Tahu, Otago Polytechnic, University of Otago, Otago Chamber of Commerce and Otago Southland Employers Association was already making inroads on an agreed target of creating 10,000 extra jobs in Dunedin and increasing average per capita income by $10,000 in 10 years.
Read more

****

“At the far end of the positive scale was Dunedin, declining from 5% the previous quarter to the last of the eight regions in positive territory, at 3%.”

### ODT Online Mon, 21 Apr 2014
Business
Queenstown investors rival Auckland’s
By Simon Hartley
Queenstown and Dunedin are poles apart in commercial property investor confidence, as the tourism capital vies with Auckland for top spot.
The Colliers International quarterly survey on commercial property investor confidence, based on more than 3700 responses [shows] Auckland and Queenstown have returned confidence levels at 58% and 56% respectively, similar to the previous quarter, while Christchurch has slumped from 60% to 43%, but is third-highest of the 11 regions canvassed.
Read more

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Related Posts and Comments:
15.4.14 Destination Queenstown immediately on the job #RoyalVisitNZ
14.4.14 Woop! Waterfront TOWER hotel RIP [Fail: Song gives up]
10.4.14 Stadium: Edgar’s $1m donation (private sector fundraising) [Fail/IOU]
8.4.14 Cinderella Shanghai + 75 ugly sisters
20.3.14 Delta: Report from Office of the Auditor-General [Fail: Lose $9m]
17.2.14 Oil and gas: Supply base competition [Fail: No gas]
24.1.14 Stadium: It came to pass . . . [Fail: Stadium Review, losing +$20m pa]
17.12.13 Eiontown killing it: Plans for upmarket convention centre + hot pools
29.10.13 DCC (EDU) invents new job! [Fail: Digital Office]
14.8.13 Fall Down Otago —The Summit (gasp!)
18.7.13 Dear DCC: Dunedin’s [choke] $47M cycle network [Fail: Expensive gifts to minority]
17.5.13 Dunedin: city marketing @@@ [Ongoing Fail]
15.3.13 Dunedin showcase (election year tripe): economic development strategy
31.10.12 Cull’s council takes business away from retailers [Fail: CBD bus stops and parking]
17.10.12 “But there’s more to Dunedin than just bloody cruise ships”
13.9.12 Dunedin City Council meeting (17 Sept) [EDS: Seven priority projects]
19.6.12 DRAFT Dunedin Economic Development Strategy
5.5.12 Dunedin and the southern region’s business future

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Posted by Elizabeth Kerr

*Image: awakenedaesthetic.com – Flying Pig coin bank (re-imaged by whatifdunedin)

HOTEL Town Hall… Another investment group, Daaave’s pals from the communist state?

ODT (via Channel 39) tells us that Dunedin City Council is discussing a proposal for another hotel in the city. This time, near the Town Hall.

For the Filleul Street/Moray Place car park site?

[ODT Link added 2.4.14] CBD may get new hotel

Together with the hotel project for 41 Wharf Street (Worstways), is Daaave intent on cutting off at the knees developer Geoff Thomson and the locally financed Distinction Dunedin Hotel? Oh probably.

Daaave’s that thick. And so is Staynes. Both men should not be in charge of this forsaken city. Staynes, will keep pumping the $20 million Dunedin airport runway extension. (The Chinese love investing in quiet ports and airports – why not sell them Dunedin Hospital too? And an aquarium where we can watch mermaids swim.)

If Worstways elected to piss off from the waterfront, the ‘Town Hall’ site or the Dowling Street carpark would count as sensible solutions for DCC to control height, townscape and cultural landscape.

City Property had better not be hocking off prime publicly-owned development sites to the overseas Horror Brigade. Of course they will, to meet the Council Debt CRISIS created by the criminal STADIUM build.

Or… City Property (in a new group guise) will do the hotel build and lease out to our ‘Mainland’ customers?

DUNEDIN IS UP FOR SALE by the IDIOT DCC which determinedly FAILS in business. Time and time again, while CLOSE MATES in the private sector accumulate wealth as they clip their tickets and pillage City Ratepayers and Residents.

Fail-proof DCC recipes for widening The GAP.

Exactly what you’d expect from the short-arsed mayor and his dumb-blond wine taster. Hospitality anyone? Nah, we’d rather go to Queenstown too.

****

Subsequent to writing the above HYSTERIA, this was found at the DCC website. BINGO. We are DEAD.

SELL OUT STATEMENT PROPER
[How to raise property prices beyond the reach of Dunedin people and all New Zealanders (see Auckland issues) – recent tweets from Sophie Barker have been promoting Chanel O’Brien. Both Economic Development Unit babes-in-the-woods are taxed with selling this city from beneath our feet. Check their CVs. Then think about who the EDU manager is.]

Do note, The Prospectus, joke, will be distributed WITHOUT being formally approved by the elected Council.

Dunedin City Council – Media Release
Promoting Investment in Dunedin

This item was published on 01 Apr 2014

An investment prospectus has been developed for Dunedin to provide valuable information for potential investors.

The prospectus is a generic, high-level “fishing “document which aims to elicit interest from businesspeople who are considering options to expand their businesses and ex-pats thinking of returning to New Zealand. It also encourages high net worth individuals/investors from New Zealand and offshore to seek further information about opportunities in Dunedin.

Co-ordinated by the Dunedin City Council’s Economic Development Unit, the investment prospectus aligns with projects under the umbrella of Dunedin’s Economic Development Strategy.

DCC Business Development Advisor Chanel O’Brien says work on the prospectus has been carried out in collaboration with the City Investment Panel, which is developing a cohesive approach to investment in the city under the strategic theme of ‘business vitality’.

“In addition, the document aligns to another strategic objective, ‘linkages beyond our borders’, proactively attracting more businesses and investment into the city.”

After consultation with businesses, support agencies, the tertiary sector and skilled migrants, the prospectus focuses on the key areas of health and education across the tertiary and business sector.

The internationally-recognised research capacity of the University of Otago, coupled with the market validation and product development capacity of the Otago Polytechnic, is a focus of the document, along with a wide selection of businesses that have started and grown in the city. Opportunities are noted in areas such as education and learning, health technologies, design technology and niche manufacturing.

Ms O’Brien says the 37-page prospectus also features information on access to markets, infrastructure, resources, the regulatory environment, and business culture and lifestyle.

The investment prospectus has been endorsed by the City Investment Panel. This is a collaborative group of economic development partners, including New Zealand Trade and Enterprise, which is committed to generating market confidence and trust in Dunedin as a prime location for investment. The Panel also includes representatives from all the partners driving Dunedin’s Economic Development Strategy – the DCC, Ngāi Tahu, the Otago Chamber of Commerce, the Otago Polytechnic, the Otago Southland Employers Association and the University of Otago.

To see a copy of the prospectus, visit
www.dunedin.govt.nz/services/business-support.

The prospectus will go to the DCC’s Economic Development Committee on 7 April, for noting.

Contact Business Development Advisor on 03 477 4000.

DCC Link

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Posted by Elizabeth Kerr

Dunedin showcase (election year tripe): economic development strategy

First, the suits killed the city with a stadium and built up massive council debt. Now, they want your gold fillings —and your water.

The Dunedin Economic Development Strategy is a 10-year blueprint for increasing incomes and job opportunities for Dunedin residents. It was created from a partnership between the Dunedin City Council, the Otago Chamber of Commerce, the Otago Southland Employers Association, the Otago Polytechnic, the University of Otago and Ngāi Tahu.

The Strategy was adopted in September last year, and it will be showcased at an invitation-only event this evening at Otago Settlers Museum.

The showcase provides an opportunity to update local businesses and other organisations on what has happened since the Strategy was adopted and how they can play a part.

Speakers at the showcase event will include Minister for Economic Development Steven Joyce, MacDiarmid Young Scientist of the Year 2008 Dr Rebecca McLeod and DCC Chief Executive Paul Orders.

The Strategy sets out five themes: business vitality, alliances for innovation, a hub of skills and talent, linkages beyond our borders and a compelling destination.

Project teams are busy working on actions to support these themes. The work includes better support for exporting, Project Shanghai and further developing innovative and internationally-competitive industries and clusters.

Further details about the Strategy can be found at www.dunedineconomy.co.nz

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Dunedin’s Economic Development Strategy: key points

1. Dunedin aims to be one of the world’s great small cities, which attracts investment and new business, and where businesses thrive in a collaborative environment.

2. Strong business growth is needed to create a future for Dunedin’s economic development.

3. Sustainable long-term economic growth doesn’t rely on any one business – there are no easy answers to stimulating growth and employment; no-one else to do it for us but us.

4. Dunedin’s Economic Development Strategy is a 10-year blueprint for increasing incomes and job opportunities for Dunedin people.

5. The vision for Dunedin’s economic future is a shared vision. The Strategy was developed in partnership between the Dunedin City Council, the Otago Chamber of Commerce, the Otago Southland Employers Association, the Otago Polytechnic, the University of Otago and Ngāi Tahu.

6. Dunedin’s size, supportive business environment and the lifestyle it offers make it an ideal city to work, live and do business in.

7. Dunedin is a creative place that already fosters innovation, but needs to extend its creative capabilities.

8. The Strategy has got the ball rolling on economic development; after six months progress has been made on:
○ Identifying the challenges and opportunities for our city
○ Selecting the most likely drivers of growth
○ Developing actions to create opportunities from these drivers

9. The five Economic Development Strategy themes are:
○ Business vitality
○ Alliances for innovation
○ A hub of skills and talent
○ Linkages beyond our borders
○ A compelling destination

10. Dunedin has an effective and established network of support which businesses can use to build and expand skills and opportunities.

DCC Media Release

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Related Post and Comments:
19.6.12 DRAFT Dunedin Economic Development Strategy

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Posted by Elizabeth Kerr

John Montgomery: The Economy, Culture and Design of Cities

Dunedin City Council hosted a public lecture by Dr John Montgomery at the Dunedin Public Art Gallery last Friday (16 September).

Dr Montgomery provided a presentation [PDF, 5.94 MB] on the economy, culture and design of cities, building on his work in the UK and Australia. His views are particularly relevant for the development of Dunedin’s Central City Plan and Economic Development strategies.

John Montgomery is an urban planner, economist, author and managing director of Urban Cultures Ltd.

Urban Cultures consults in urban economics, city planning, urban design, arts-led urban revitalisation and managing the night-time city.

More on John Montgomery at Idealog.

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Your City Our Future (YCOF) – Update

Dunedin City Council undertook a city-wide consultation in June 2011 to identify priorities for future expenditure. The results from the consultation survey are available here: YCOF survey report July 2011

The information and feedback received from the consultation, along with the feedback from the YCOF leadership teams has been used in the development of the Council’s draft spatial plan, “Dunedin Towards 2050”, draft Central City Plan, and draft Economic Development Strategy.

Formal consultation on these documents is planned for October/November 2011.

Find additional information on the development of the Council’s Central City Plan here: www.dunedin.govt.nz/centralcityplan

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Posted by Elizabeth Kerr