John Chambers

Your Health Candidate

I was employed 32 years ago to lead and develop the Dunedin Emergency Department. Originally from Scotland, our family settled and thrived here, with grandchildren now at school.

Having served as an elected DHB member, I have the skills and experience to enhance Council performance.

Our City is a special, safe, beautiful place with a temperate climate. I think that population shifts will see more people than expected move south and come here to stay. Growth is positive but requires more housing, updated infrastructure and staffed services.

Council has planned rates increases of greater than 30% over the next three years which ratepayers cannot afford and are questioned by central government. New councils will be duty bound to consider strategies to adjust expenditure, reduce borrowing and maximize return from investments.

Any workshops exploring changes to bring down rate rises should be open to enable informed public engagement.

A council with broad skills supported by professional staff should not require multiple external consultant reports to function.

Drainage improvements in South Dunedin are scheduled but not planned to begin construction till 2028. This timeline needs revision.

DCC demonstrated strong leadership rallying support for the threatened new Dunedin hospital. The Wellington led and governed system needs constant monitoring and advocacy. Elected Local Councillors have a key role to play and formal submissions would help keep the City informed about healthcare developments both private and public. I look forward to working for you alongside our Mayor and Council team.