Submissions

To: Dunedin City Council 
Date: May 2026  

Purpose

DPA welcomed the DCC’s North Dunedin Spatial Plan. 

DPA’s submission outlined our general observations and recommendations about how to build a more accessible, inclusively designed North Dunedin. 

Summary of DPA submission

DPA recommends that the DCC incentivise the construction of more universal design housing in North Dunedin, especially in the student quarter, through making development contribution incentives available for all new builds. 

DPA recommends that if the spatial plan enables the construction of more high-density housing in North Dunedin, it will be important for there to be at least one universal design accessible dwelling built within each multiunit complex, and preferably (if a multistorey dwelling) on the ground floor to aid accessibility. 

DPA recommends that the spatial plan permits the building of more modern, warm, dry, energy efficient housing and the retrofitting of existing older dwellings to ensure greater energy efficiency. 

DPA recommends that the North Dunedin Spatial Plan prioritises the need to create accessible journeys throughout the suburb by adopting a whole of journey approach and building improved connections to both the campus and wider city for everyone, including disabled people.  

DPA recommends that all transport infrastructure requiring to be altered or created including, for example, footpaths and bus stops are made safe and accessible for all users. 

DPA recommends that central and local government regularly audit the Leith Flood Protection scheme to ensure its ongoing effectiveness. 

DPA recommends that as part of the North Dunedin Spatial Planning process that an assessment is undertaken of climate change related risks.