Waterfront poll

DUNEDIN City Council chief executive Sue Bidrose, replying to Russell’s Lund’s letter (4.4.19), states ‘‘Survey feedback for the overall waterfront vision shows 86% support. It is this that Mayor Cull suggests is a mandate to continue.’’

By way of simple clarification: What was the general nature of the ‘‘survey’’? What was the total number of survey respondents? Of these, exactly how many MORE respondents were in favour of the ‘‘vision’’, than against?

Do these figures actually support Mayor Cull’s contention that a ‘‘mandate’’ for proceeding with the waterfront proposed development exists?

If not, why have Dr Bidrose and Mayor Cull made this claim?

Geoffrey Dunbar

Ravensbourne

[DCC chief executive Dr Sue Bidrose replies:

‘‘The Dunedin Waterfront Vision aims to redevelop and revitalise our waterfront area. The vision is supported by innovative local businesses and a range of key partners.

‘‘In October 2018, a public exhibition space was established in the Octagon to showcase the vision. Further community feedback on the vision was sought via feedback cards, and via an online survey, which asks if people support redevelopment of Dunedin’s waterfront and what would attract them to use the area.

‘‘More than 4000 visitors have visited the exhibition. To date, the feedback (results of the survey from visitors to the exhibition centre, Facebook and our website) totals 2408 responses with 2068 (85.88%) in favour and 321

(13.33%) not in favour. Please note that 19 responses did not select an option to the question.

‘‘This level of support mirrors an earlier independent ODT poll which showed support of 88%.’’]