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Council Agenda 25 March 2026 - Agenda
Council Agenda 25 March 2026
Meeting will be held at the Clutha District Council Chamber, 
1 Rosebank Terrace, Balclutha, Otago, and live streamed on the 
ORC YouTube channel.
Members:
Cr Hilary Calvert (Chair)
Cr Kevin Malcolm (Deputy Chair)
Cr Robbie Byars 
Cr Chanel Gardner 
Cr Neil Gillespie 
Cr Matt Hollyer 
Cr Gary Kelliher 
Cr Michael Laws 
Cr Andrew Noone  
Cr Gretchen Robertson 
Cr Alan Somerville  
Cr Kate Wilson 
Senior Officer: Richard Saunders, Chief Executive
Meeting Support: Kylie Darragh, Governance Support Officer
25 March 2026 10:30 AM
Agenda Topic
Page
Agenda
1
1.
WELCOME
Mayor Jock Martin will be in attendance. 
Cr Neil Gillespie to open with a reflection.  
2.
APOLOGIES
No apologies received at the time of printing. 
3.
PUBLIC FORUM
No requests to speak at Public Forum were received at the time of publishing.
4.
CONFIRMATION OF AGENDA
The agenda to be confirmed as published. 
5.
DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
Members are reminded of the need to stand aside from decision-making when a conflict arises between 
their role as an elected representative and any private or other external interest they might have. 
The Register of Member's Pecuniary Interests can be found on the ORC Website. 
6.
PRESENTATIONS
4
Enviroschools Annual Review presentation.
1
link to page 4 Council Agenda 25 March 2026 - Agenda
6.1
2026 Enviroschools Council Presentation
4
6.2
Kā Paetae o Ōtākou - 2025 Annual Review Summary
15
7.
CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES
23
Confirming the public minutes of the Council meeting of 25 February 2026.
7.1
2026.02.25 Council Minutes Draft
23
8.
ACTION REGISTER
There are currently no open actions for council. 
9.
CHAIRPERSON'S AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE'S REPORTS
32
9.1
Chairperson's Report
32
9.2
Chief Executive's Report
35
9.2.1 2026 February Customer Report
37
10.
MATTERS FOR CONSIDERATION
39
10.1 Water Quality Annual Report 2025
39
This report provides an annual update of the current state of water quality and ecosystem health based on results from the 
State of the Environment surface water monitoring network, from July 2024 to June 2025. This annual reporting is required by 
the National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management 2020.
10.1.1
Water Quality Annual Summary Report 2025
44
10.2 Clutha Liaison Group
49
This paper updates the Council regarding the formation of the Lower Clutha Liaison Group, presents the confirmed Terms of 
Reference for approval, and seeks confirmation of the Councillor Representative for the Group.
10.2.1
Lower Clutha Liaison Group Engagement and Outcomes Report
53
10.2.2
Agreed Terms of Reference Lower Clutha
58
10.3 Integrated Catchment Management Plan Review
62
To present the proposed implementation plan and options to accelerate the Integrated Catchment Management (ICM) 
programme to Council. 
10.3.1
Transcend Report September 2025
80
10.3.2
ICM Programme Implementation Plan Summary
114
10.3.3
ICM Governance Group Updated Terms of Reference - Clean Copy
119
10.3.4
ICM Governance Group Updated Terms of Reference - Tracked 
123
Changes
10.4 Q1-Q2 Public Transport Performance Report
128
This paper updates Council on the performance of Public Transport and Total Mobility for Q1 and Q2 of the 2025/26 Financial 
Year, July 2025 - December 2025.
2
Council Agenda 25 March 2026 - Agenda
10.5 Community Transport
152
The purpose of this report is to seek Council direction and approval to progress the community transport actions agreed in the 
Regional Public Transport Plan 2025-2035.
10.5.1
ORC Community and Accessible Transport Study - Taith Consulting
165
10.5.2
Understanding Community Transport in Otago
239
10.6 Ōamaru Community Shuttle Trial
This paper will be provided in a supplementary council agenda. 
10.7 2026 ORC Community Survey - Results
This paper will be provided in a supplementary council agenda. 
10.8 Regional Software Holdings Limited Statement of Intent 2026-27
290
To receive Regional Software Holdings Limited’s Draft Statement of Intent for 2026-27 and Half Yearly Report for the period 
ended 31 December 2025.
10.8.1
Covering Letter for RSHL Draft SOI 2026-27
294
10.8.2
RSHL DRAFT Statement of Intent 2026-27
298
10.8.3
RSHL Interim Report to December 31 2025
336
11.
NOTICES OF MOTION
No notices of motion had been submitted at the time of publishing. 
12.
CLOSURE
3
Council Agenda 25 March 2026 - MATTERS FOR CONSIDERATION
10.4. Q1-Q2 Public Transport Performance Report 
 
Prepared for: 
Council 
Report No. 
TRN2606 
Activity: 
Public Transport 
Author: 
Julian Phillips, Implementation Lead - Transport 
Endorsed by: 
Anita Dawe (General Manager Regional Planning and Transport) 
Date: 
25 March 2026 
Portfolio Leads:  Cr Hollyer & Cr Somerville, Transport 
PURPOSE 
[1]
To update Council on the performance of Public Transport and Total Mobility for Q1
and Q2 of the 2025/26 Financial Year, July 2025 - December 2025.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 
[2]
Dunedin bus patronage for Q1-Q2 2025/26 is 1,728,936 trips – a decrease of 0.5%
from Q1-Q2 2024/25.
[3]
Dunedin  fare  revenue  for  the  corresponding  period  is  $2,300,106,  an  increase  of
11%.
[4]
Queenstown bus patronage for Q1-Q2 2025/26 is 1,031,075 trips – an increase of
6% from Q1-Q2 2024/25.
[5]
Queenstown fare revenue for the corresponding period is $1,847,171, an increase of
19%.
[6]
Queenstown ferry patronage for Q1-Q2 2025/26 is 41,514 trips – an increase of 29%
from Q1-Q2 2024/25.
[7]
Queenstown  ferry  fare  revenue  for  the  corresponding  period  is  $418,757,  an
increase of 20%.
[8]
Across  the  whole  network,  99.6%  of  scheduled  services  were  operated  (235,739
trips).
[9]
85% of trips departed their start terminus on time, a decrease of 1% on the previous
period.  72% of trips arrived on time, an increase of 35%.
[10]
Total  Mobility  patronage  for  Q1-Q2  2025/26  is  76,026  trips  –  an  increase  of  5.3%
from Q1-Q2 2024/25.
[11]
Network changes were implemented for both networks in Q1 2025/6, including an
On-Demand  service  in  Mosgiel  and  a  revised  Jacks-Point/Arrowtown  service  via
Malaghans Roads in Whakatipu.
Council Meeting - 25 March 2026 
 
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Council Agenda 25 March 2026 - MATTERS FOR CONSIDERATION
[12]
Implementing  infrastructure  improvements  for  the  Dunedin  bus  network  is  also
underway.
[13]
Early  analyses  of  the  Oamaru  community  transport  trial  is  also  detailed  in  the
report.
RECOMMENDATION 
That the Council: 
1) Notes this summary of public transport activity in Otago for Q1-Q2 2025/26.
DISCUSSION - DUNEDIN 
[14]
This  is  the  first  report  brought  to  Council  in  this  triennium,  reporting  on  data
formerly  before  the  Public  and  Active  Transport  Committee.  This  report  sets  out
data  from  the  first  six  months  of  the  current  financial  year  in  relation  to  public
transport data, as well as some general public transport issues and opportunities.
Staff anticipate these reports coming to Council twice a year.
[15]
Monthly and annual patronage, revenue, and fare breakdown is set out in Figure 1
below. Broadly, the data shows a slight reduction in patronage over the first half of
the  current  year,  compared  to  the  previous  year,  noting  that  Dunedin  had  been
recording  year  on  year  increases  in  patronage  and  staff  had  been  forecasting  a
potential flattening of patronage numbers.
Council Meeting - 25 March 2026 
 
129


Council Agenda 25 March 2026 - MATTERS FOR CONSIDERATION
 
 
Figure 1: Dunedin Q1-Q2 2025/26 Patronage and Revenue 
[16]  Despite the slight reduction in patronage, revenue has increased compared to the 
previous  six-month  period.  This  reflects  the  increase  in  fares  introduced  in 
September 2025 and is the first increase in revenue for some time. The fare changes 
were an increase in the adult Bee Card fare from $2 to $2.50, and the reintroduction 
of child Bee Card fares of $1.50, a set out in Figure 2 below. 
 Figure 2: Changes to Bus Fares introduced in September 2025  
 
 
Council Meeting - 25 March 2026 
 
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Council Agenda 25 March 2026 - MATTERS FOR CONSIDERATION
 
[17]  Monthly and annual patronage from 2018/19 to date is set out in Figure 3. Despite 
the slight reduction in the six months patronage data, current boardings are sitting 
at 49.5% of boardings for the previous year, which was a record year. In short, we 
are on track for another good year for boardings. 
 
Figure 3: Dunedin patronage, 2018/19 to 2025/26, year to date 
 
[18]  Patronage in Q1 2025/26 was higher than Q1 2024/25, but declined in Q2, resulting 
in the slight year-to-date decrease, which is set out in Figure 4 below. 
Figure 4: Quarterly Dunedin patronage performance 
 
[19]  Across  Q1–Q2  2025/26,  child  concession  patronage  in  Dunedin  is  down  2% 
compared  with  the  previous  year.  It  is  likely  some  of  this  reduction  is  due  to  the 
reintroduction of child fares. 
[20]  In  Q2  alone,  coinciding  with  the  removal  of  free  child  fares,  child  concession 
patronage fell 22% year-on-year, as set out in Figure 5. 
 
Council Meeting - 25 March 2026 
 
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Council Agenda 25 March 2026 - MATTERS FOR CONSIDERATION
 
Figure 5: Child concession trend, 25/26 vs 24/25 
[21]  The 0.5% year-to-date overall patronage decline follows three consecutive years of 
record annual patronage and represents only a modest adjustment from historically 
high levels. 
 
[22]  The  Q2  softening  aligns  with  the  timing  of  the  fare  increase  -  particularly  the 
introduction of child fares - indicating it is more likely to be a short-term behavioural 
response rather than a structural decline. 
 
[23]  Revenue performance remains strong, with higher fares delivering an 11% increase 
in revenue across the first half of the financial year. 
 
[24]  Looking  ahead,  patronage  is  expected  to  strengthen  from  Q3  as  a  new  cohort  of 
schoolchildren  begins  using  bus  services  for  the  first  time,  creating  a  realistic 
opportunity  for  full-year  patronage  to  match  or  exceed  last  year’s  results. 
 
Orbus On-Demand 
[25]  Orbus on Demand was introduced for Mosgiel in July 2025 as a bookable, rideshare 
service with an improved coverage area compared to the old Mosgiel Loop routes 80 
and  81.    The  service  is  by  request  only,  with  passengers  able  to  book  using  the 
Orbus on Demand app or by phoning ORC Customer Services. Drivers use the app 
for routing to specified pick up and drop off locations and customers pay on board 
with Bee Card or cash, with the same fares, concessions and transfers applying as 
the broader Dunedin network.  
 
[26]  Virtual stops (unmarked, with no infrastructure) have been created since the service 
was introduced, in new service areas including Wingatui, East Taieri and Kinmont, 
offering passengers more choice. 
 
[27]  Figure 6 below, is a stop utilisation heatmap, with the size of each circle indicating 
the relative usage of that stop. There is also a list of the top 25 stops in use, with 
eight of those as new virtual stops.  
 
 
Council Meeting - 25 March 2026 
 
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Council Agenda 25 March 2026 - MATTERS FOR CONSIDERATION
 
The maps, and additional stops created since its inception, highlight the benefits of 
an on-demand system, which has enabled flexibility in design and location of new 
stops, which has, in turn enabled the expansion of the service reach. 
Figure 6: On-demand utilisation heat map 
 
[28]  Staff  have  been  comparing  on-demand  figures  to  patronage  on  the  former  fixed 
routes 80 and 81. The patronage data is set out in Figure 7 below.  
Figure 7: On-Demand patronage 
 
[29]  The figures show that overall patronage is down by 16%, predominantly due to the 
significant  drop  in  the  number  of  Supergold  passengers.  Excluding  SuperGold, 
patronage has increased by 24%, with significant increases in children on peak time 
services, which coincides with getting to and from school.  
 
[30]  Despite  the  reduction  in  patronage  overall,  the  fare  changes  introduced  in 
September 2025 have seen revenue on the On-Demand service increase by 9%, as 
set out in Figure 8, which reflects the change in composition of passengers using 
the service. 
 
 
Council Meeting - 25 March 2026 
 
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Council Agenda 25 March 2026 - MATTERS FOR CONSIDERATION
 
 Figure 8: On-Demand revenue 
[31]  Transport  staff  are  working  with  the  Engagement  team  to  find  the  best  way  to  re-
engage  the  Supergold  customer  group  for  Mosgiel  on-demand.  Some  measures 
already  implemented  include  creating  additional  stops  at  key  areas  of  interest, 
including medical centres, and rest homes. 
DISCUSSION - QUEENSTOWN 
[32]  Monthly and annual patronage, revenue, and fare breakdown is set out in Figure 9 
below.  Overall,  the  data  shows  an  increase  in  patronage  over  the  first  half  of  the 
current year, compared to the previous year, noting that Queenstown has continued 
to record year on year increases in patronage. 
 
Council Meeting - 25 March 2026 
 
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Council Agenda 25 March 2026 - MATTERS FOR CONSIDERATION
 
 
Figure 9: Queenstown Q1-Q2 2025/26 Patronage and Revenue 
 
[33]  Revenue  has  increased  compared  to  the  previous  six-month  period.  This  reflects 
the  increase  in  fares  introduced  in  September  2025  and,  like  Dunedin,  is  the  first 
increase in revenue for some time. The fare changes were an increase in the adult 
Bee  Card  fare  from  $2  to  $2.50,  and  the  reintroduction  of  child  Bee  Card  fares  of 
$1.50, a set out in Figure 10. 
 
 
Figure 10: Queenstown fare changes 
 
 
Council Meeting - 25 March 2026 
 
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Council Agenda 25 March 2026 - MATTERS FOR CONSIDERATION
 
[34]  Monthly and annual patronage from 2018/19 to date is set out in Figure 10. Current 
boardings are outperforming the previous year, which was a record year. In short, 
we  are  on  track  for  another  strong  year  for  boardings,  with  a  high  likelihood  of  a 
record  annual  total.    July  2025  returned  the  highest  ever  monthly  patronage  of 
180,526 trips (highlighted in orange in Figure 11). 
 
Figure 11: Queenstown patronage, 2018/19 to 2025/26 
 
[35]  Figure 12 breaks down patronage into quarterly comparisons, noting a slight drop in 
the rate of growth for Q2: 
Figure 12:  Quarterly Queenstown patronage performance 
[36]  Across  Q1–Q2  2025/26,  child  concession  patronage  is  up  by  0.1%  compared  with 
the previous year. 
[37]  In  Q2  alone,  coinciding  with  the  removal  of  free  child  fares,  child  concession 
patronage fell 22% year-on-year, as set out in Figure 13 below. 
 
Council Meeting - 25 March 2026 
 
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Council Agenda 25 March 2026 - MATTERS FOR CONSIDERATION
 
Figure 13: Child concession trend, 25/26 vs 24/25 
 
[38]  Despite  the  impact  of  increased  fares  -  particularly  on  child  concessions  -  public 
transport patronage in Queenstown has continued its strong upward trajectory, with 
a further 6% increase recorded in Q1–Q2 2025/26 compared with the same period in 
2024/25. 
 
[39]  This growth has been achieved despite 2024/25 representing an all-time annual high 
for  patronage,  following  three  consecutive  years  of  sustained  increases.  The 
continued uplift from an already elevated base demonstrates ongoing demand for 
public transport services and reflects the network’s resilience and growing role in 
supporting transport outcomes for the district. 
 
[40]  Overall,  the  data  indicates  that  patronage  growth  is  building  on  historically  strong 
performance levels. 
Network Changes – Malaghans Road Trial 
[41]  In July 2025, significant changes were made to Whakatipu Routes 2 and 4. Prior to 
July  2025,  Route  2  operated  between  Arrowtown  and  Arthurs  Point  via  Frankton, 
whilst Route 4 operated between Jacks Point and Frankton. 
 
[42]  Route 4 was extended to beyond Frankton to run to Arrowtown, via a trial utilising 
Malaghans Road, as set out in Figure 14.  The service now travels via Stanley Street 
and Arthurs Point, at a higher peak 30-minute frequency. 
 
 
Council Meeting - 25 March 2026 
 
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Council Agenda 25 March 2026 - MATTERS FOR CONSIDERATION
 
Figure 14: Jacks Point to Arrowtown via Malaghans Road. 
 
[43]  Route  2  Arrowtown  services  continue  on  a  shortened  version  of  the  old  route, 
travelling to and from Frankton Hub, as set out in Figure 15. 
 
Figure 15: Revised Arrowtown route 
 
[44]  Figure  16  compares  total  patronage  for  routes  2  and  4,  before  and  after  the  July 
2025  changes.      There  has  been  a  22%  increase  in  patronage  comparing  Q1-2 
2025/6 to the previous year.  Comparing the same routes pre-July 2025, patronage 
had only increased by 1% year-on-year. 
 
 
 
 
Council Meeting - 25 March 2026 
 
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Council Agenda 25 March 2026 - MATTERS FOR CONSIDERATION
 
 
Figure 16: Combined performance of routes 2 and 4 
 
[45]  Staff have also extracted the data for passenger trips that have been generated in 
Arthurs  Point  and  Arrowtown,  i.e.  excluding  passengers  boarding  at  Frankton  or 
elsewhere  on  the  route  outside  of  the  two  areas  now  connected  by  Malaghans 
Road. This is set out in Figure 17 below and shows there has been an increase of 
approximately 14% in boardings, year on year from July to December 2025. Pre-July 
2025, boardings in these areas had had declined by 2%. 
 
 
Figure 17:  Arthurs Point and Arrowtown boardings 
 
[46]  The  Malaghans  Road  trial  is  currently  included  in  our  Low-Cost  Low  Risk  funding 
pool  from  NZTA  and  will  run  until  July  2027.  If  the  trial  is  considered  to  be 
successful,  staff  will  look  to  make  it  permanent  by  including  it  in  our  Continuous 
Funding bid. That bid is subject to funding through the National Land Transport Plan. 
 
Council Meeting - 25 March 2026 
 
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Council Agenda 25 March 2026 - MATTERS FOR CONSIDERATION
 
DISCUSSION – QUEENSTOWN FERRY 
 
[47]  Since  a  change  in  operator  and  the  introduction  of  more  services,  both  patronage 
and revenue for the Queenstown Ferry have increased. The data is set out in Figure 
18 below.  
Figure 18:  Queenstown Ferry patronage and revenue 
[48]  Fare revenue for Q1–Q2 2025/26 is up 20% on the same period in 2024/25, and total 
patronage for the reporting period is up 29%. 
[49]  The  Lake  Whakatipu  ferry  contract,  awarded  in  2025  to  new  owners  Watersports 
Ltd,  provided  an  opportunity  to  expand  services,  specifically  by  maintaining  a 
consistent weekly timetable. 
[50]  In July 2025, late‑night services were extended from three nights per week to seven 
nights per week, and daytime services were increased to run on an hourly frequency 
between approximately 8:15 am and 9:45 pm. 
[51]  The  impact  of  these  service  level  increases,  together  with  some  rebranding  of  the 
service  (figure  19)  to  clearly  associate  it  with  the  Orbus  public  transport  network, 
puts the ferry on track for potentially substantive increases in performance by year 
 
Council Meeting - 25 March 2026 
 
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Council Agenda 25 March 2026 - MATTERS FOR CONSIDERATION
 
end. In addition, a new vessel is being introduced to the service in April 2026, which 
will be the first to be branded in Orbus Ferries livery. 
Figure 19:  Rebranded Orbus Ferries webpage 
DISCUSSION - SUPPORT SYSTEMS 
[52]  As  part  of  Councils  ongoing  efficiency  initiatives,  transport  staff  have  reviewed 
existing  software  systems  and  identified  opportunities  to  replace  third-party  tools 
with internally developed solutions. 
[53]  A  network  mapping  and  contract  planning  tool  previously  procured  externally  is 
being replaced with a custom tool developed by Council’s GIS team.  This will allow 
Transport  staff  to  display  and  modify  route  maps  and  infrastructure  for  use  in 
network  planning  and  customer  facing  information.    The  GIS  team  has  already 
created the Orbus On-Demand interactive map which has been well received. 
 
Council Meeting - 25 March 2026 
 
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Figure 20: Orbus On-Demand map developed by Council GIS Team 
[54]  Monthly  reporting  processes  have  been  streamlined  by  replacing  commercial 
reporting software with tools created and maintained by transport staff. Work is also 
underway to modernise the service alerts system, moving from manual updates to 
an automated push system. 
[55]  The new alerts system will provide consistent, automated real-time updates across 
multiple  channels,  including  on-street  signage  (e-stops  and  wayfinding  screens), 
the Transit app, and the Orbus website. 
[56]  These initiatives will collectively deliver total savings of approximately $120,000 per 
annum, with further efficiencies anticipated as system enhancements continue. 
DISCUSSION - INFRASTRUCTURE IMPROVEMENT PLAN 
[57]  In  2024,  ORC  commissioned  ViaStrada  to  conduct  a  comprehensive  audit  of 
Dunedin’s bus stops. The Bus Stop Audit contains details about each of Dunedin’s 
849 bus stops, including its key features, patronage and level of conformance with 
NZTA Public Transport Design Guidance.   
[58]  Transport  staff  have  been  using  the  results  of  this  audit,  together  with  feedback 
from  Dunedin  City  Council  and  transport  operators,  to  refine  a  program  of 
infrastructure investments through 2025/26.  
[59]  There  is  a  range  of  infrastructure  improvements,  ranging  from  low  cost  to  more 
expensive, including adding seats and shelters, painting bus boxes on the road, and 
moving the location of bus stops. 
[60]  The tables below show: 
a. 
Figure 21 - 9 completed bus stops. 
b. 
Figure 22 – 14 bus stops for which work is in-progress and 2 stops awaiting 
DCC Hearings Committee decisions before progressing. 
 
Council Meeting - 25 March 2026 
 
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c. 
Figure  23  –  10  further  stops  which  have  been  identified  for  future 
improvements  as  part  of  wider  DCC  projects,  such  as  the  Princes  Street 
improvements. These are generally not funded by ORC. 
[61]  In  the  South  Dunedin  area,  some  temporary  stops  will  be  made  permanent  and 
infrastructure from disestablished stops, such as modern glass/metal shelters, is to 
be reused elsewhere, lowering costs. 
Figure 21: Completed infrastructure 
Figure 22: Infrastructure improvements in progress 
Figure 23: Future infrastructure improvements to be delivered via longer term City projects 
[62]  The  most  substantive  project  within  the  program  is  the  improvement  to  the  Green 
Island  Inbound  Super  Stop.    This  stop  had  previously  been  earmarked  to  be 
completed  with  the  Super  Stop  in  Union  Street,  for  improvement  via  the  Climate 
Emergency  Relief  Fund.    However,  it  was  unable  to  progress  at  that  time  due  to 
funding being insufficient to cover both sites. 
 
Council Meeting - 25 March 2026 
 
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Council Agenda 25 March 2026 - MATTERS FOR CONSIDERATION
 
[63]  The Super Stop serves as a popular midway point between Mosgiel and Dunedin.  It 
is the transfer point for connections between route 70 Brighton and the rest of the 
Dunedin network (Brighton is the only timetabled Dunedin service which does not 
have a direct connection to the City), and importantly it is the key interchange for 
multiple services which travel directly to schools - and for route 77 services which 
transport high volumes of school pupils in and out of the city during term time.  It 
also connects Green Island and Abbotsford to the South Dunedin area via route 77. 
 
[64]  The existing stop is compromised in terms of footpath space and shelter, as well as 
limited space for bus manoeuvres, which is particularly problematic as there can be 
two  extra-large  buses  utilising  the  stop  at  any  one  time.    The  proposed  new  stop, 
which utilises an existing stop adjacent to the recently constructed McDonalds, is 
designed to have an extended waiting area, sufficient space for two large buses, and 
additional shelter.  The draft design, which is subject to procurement funding and is 
currently being costed, is shown in Figure 24.   
 
[65]  The return stop outside the Green Island Memorial Gardens will also be improved, 
by the addition of an extra shelter. 
 
Figure 24: Draft Green Island Super Stop design  
DISCUSSION - TOTAL MOBILITY 
[66]  Total Mobility provides subsidised door-to-door transport through contracted small 
passenger services for those with long-term impairments who are unable to safely 
and reliably use conventional public transport. 
 
[67]  For  Q1-Q2  2025/26  a  total  of  76,026  trips  were  recorded,  of  which  11,026  were 
wheelchair hoist trips, reflecting a 5.3% increase overall from Q1 and Q2 2024/25.   
 
[68]  While the total number of trips has increased, there has been a reduction in average 
trip length, from 8.28km in Q1-Q2 2024/25, down to 6.93km for Q1-Q2 2025/26. 
 
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[69]  Figure 25 tracks the number of trips, split by hoist and non-hoist, alongside average 
trip length. 
 
 
Figure 25: Total Mobility performance 
[70]  Total Mobility subsidises 75% of taxi fares for disabled and older people for which 
public transport is inaccessible.   
[71]  NZTA and the Ministry of Transport has been considering levers to manage funding 
the  increasing  levels  of  Total  Mobility  usage.    On  16th  December  2025  the 
Government announced that, from 1 July 2026, this subsidy will be reduced to 65%.   
[72]  Transport staff will report on the impacts of this scheme change when the full year 
Performance Report is presented to Council. 
DISCUSSION - ŌAMARU COMMUNITY TRANSPORT TRIAL 
[73]  Community transport operates outside of conventional public and private transport 
services, primarily serving as a social service in the form of door-to-door trips. It is 
generally run by community entities and volunteers, responding to un-met demand 
within the community. 
[74]  Council  is  currently  supporting  a  six-month  community  transport  trial  connecting 
Ōamaru to the Orbus network in Palmerston three days a week (Tuesday, Thursday 
and Saturday). Council have contributed $25,000 using targeted rates collected in 
2024-2025. The community have contributed more than 1300 volunteer hours. 
[75]  In  the  first  three  months  of  operation  Ōamaru  Community  Shuttle  has  completed 
136  trips  (9358  kilometres  travelled)  and  transported  210  people.  Patronage  is 
growing month on month as shown below in Figure 26. 
 
Council Meeting - 25 March 2026 
 
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Council Agenda 25 March 2026 - MATTERS FOR CONSIDERATION
 
Ōamaru Community Shuttle
90
4500
80
4000
70
3500
60
3000
50
2500
40
2000
30
1500
20
1000
10
500
0
0
Nov 2025
Dec 2025
Jan 2026
Trips
Patronage
Vehicle kilometres travelled
Figure 26: Oamaru Community Shuttle performance 
 
[76]  The service is being used by a wide demographic as shown below in Figure 27, and 
for a wide range of trip types as shown in Figure 28. 
 
     Figure 27: Age breakdown of Ōamaru Community Shuttle users 
 
 
Council Meeting - 25 March 2026 
 
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Council Agenda 25 March 2026 - MATTERS FOR CONSIDERATION
 
 Figure 28: Reasons for using Ōamaru Community Shuttle users 
[77]  Community feedback has been very positive with 97% of user survey respondents 
either satisfied or very satisfied with the service. All negative feedback received has 
been related to the timetable; specifically, the wait time in Palmerston or the late 
arrival  back  in  Ōamaru.  To  address  this,  the  Thursday  service  reverted  to  a  direct 
service from Ōamaru to Dunedin in February. 
[78]  Full results  of  the  six-month  Ōamaru trial  and  options  for servicing Ōamaru  in  the 
future will be presented to Council in May 2026. Further insights from the ongoing 
users survey are available online:  
(https://www.jotform.com/report/26025561111804526)  
DISCUSSION - PASSNGER FEEDBACK 
[79]  Passenger  engagement  during  the  reporting  period  recorded  a  total  of  2,225 
feedback  entries.  This  reflects  a  consistent  level  of  public  interaction  with  the 
transport network. 
[80]  The  majority  of  interactions  were  informational,  with  general  enquiries  accounting 
for  50%  of  all  entries.  Complaints  comprised  44%  of  total  feedback,  and  the 
remaining  6%  of  entries  were  distributed  evenly  between  positive  feedback, 
incidents/accidents, and lost property (approximately 2% each). 
[81]  Feedback as a % of Services Operated:  From a total of 235,739 scheduled trips, the 
complaint  rate  remains  exceptionally  low  at  0.4%.    This  indicates  that  while 
complaints represent a significant portion of feedback volume, they occur on fewer 
than one in every 250 trips, suggesting high overall operational reliability. 
 
Council Meeting - 25 March 2026 
 
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Council Agenda 25 March 2026 - MATTERS FOR CONSIDERATION
 
[82]  Safety  &  Asset  Management:  Feedback  regarding  incidents  and  lost  property 
remained minimal, each accounting for just 2% of total entries. 
 
 
Figure 29: Passenger feedback categories, with complaint-subtypes 
 
Addressing Customer Feedback  
[83]  Timeliness  accounted  for  28%  of  feedback  this  period,  followed  by 
Roadworks/Diversions  at  11%.  These  delays  are  largely  systemic  rather  than  a 
reflection  of  driver  performance,  representing  the  operational  reality  of  a  network 
navigating significant regional transformation. 
 
[84]  While the overall complaint rate is low relative to the number of trips, transport staff 
remain  focused  on  the  36%  of  complaints  that  relate  specifically  to  driver 
behaviour. 
 
[85]  These reports - including "pushing" yellow lights, driving behaviour/perception, and 
issues on management of passenger behaviour on school services - are treated as 
safety  indicators  and  investigated  individually.    To  address  these  concerns  and 
improve  service  quality,  there  are  a  number  of  proactive  measures  currently 
underway. 
 
[86]  These  measures  include  transport  staff  conducting  targeted  "ride-alongs"  during 
peak  school  and  commuter  periods.  This  allows  for  real-time  monitoring  of 
 
Council Meeting - 25 March 2026 
 
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Council Agenda 25 March 2026 - MATTERS FOR CONSIDERATION
 
passenger  conduct,  adherence  to  road  rules  (such  as  intersection  safety),  and 
viewing the engagement between passengers and drivers. 
 
[87]  To  ensure  unbiased  assessment,  "mystery  shopping"  is  utilised  to  evaluate  the 
passenger experience. This provides an objective view of driver behaviour, vehicle 
condition,  and  overall  service  delivery  without  the  presence  of  official  council 
branding. 
 
[88]  These  are  conducted  not  as  audits,  but  as  opportunities  for  transport  staff  to 
support  drivers  during  high-pressure  peak  periods.  This  "boots  on  the  ground" 
approach  allows  the  Council  to  witness  operational  challenges  firsthand  and 
provide constructive feedback to operators. 
 
[89]  In  addition,  transport  staff  have  been  working  with  Dunedin  Police  to  facilitate 
proactive ‘toolbox’ briefings with bus companies, at local bus depots. Rather than 
focusing  on  isolated  infringements,  these  sessions  serve  as  safety  reminders 
regarding  heavy  vehicle  positioning,  intersection  etiquette,  and  sharing  the  road 
with other users. This collaborative approach ensures that road safety remains top-
of-mind for our transport operators. 
 
[90]  Staff have also been working with two Blind Citizens Otago branch advocates, both 
regular bus users, to provide depot-level driver training. 
 
[91]  A Barrier-Free assessor delivers annual training sessions to our contracted operator 
depot managers, and those sessions have also been attended by Transport staff. 
 
[92]  Key  drivers  of  service  variability  include  peak  congestion  -  :  Increasing  vehicle 
volumes in both the Whakatipu Basin and Dunedin city centre often result in buses 
being caught in general traffic, particularly where dedicated bus priority is not yet 
available. 
 
[93]  In  Queenstown,  the  Strategic  Upgrades  (Kā  Huanui  a  Tāhuna,  the  Whakatipu 
Transport  Programme  Alliance)  which  are  high  impact  works  at  the  Frankton 
(SH6/SH6A)  intersection  have  introduced  unavoidable  bottlenecks  during  the 
construction of new signalised layouts and Frankton Bus Hub expansion.  The works 
are  forecast  to  be  completed  in  mid-2028,  doubling  the  Hub's  capacity  and 
including new signalised entries to make bus movements easier.  The replacement 
of  the  current  "BP"  roundabout  with  a  much  larger  signalised  intersection  is  the 
project's centrepiece and works will continue to intensify through to 2027. 
 
[94]  Ongoing  infrastructure  renewals  and  streetscape  upgrades  in  the  Dunedin  CBD 
(including  the  George  Street  and  Hospital  precincts)  have  altered  traffic  flow  and 
increased  congestion  on  core  bus  corridors,  and  more  broadly,  extensive 
maintenance  and  Stop/Go"  traffic  management  across  the  wider  Otago  region 
continue to cause cumulative delays 
 
 
Council Meeting - 25 March 2026 
 
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Council Agenda 25 March 2026 - MATTERS FOR CONSIDERATION
 
[95]  While these projects currently impact reliability, they are essential for the long-term 
efficiency  of  the  road  network.  We  continue  to  use  Real-Time  Tracking  and  alerts 
through  the  website,  Transit  app  and  social  media,  to  provide  passengers  with 
transparency during these periods. 
 
[96]  In  terms  of  reliability  of  service,  staff  undertake  route  and  timetable  reviews 
biannually  and  staff  are  currently  reviewing  routing  and  timetable  refinements  for 
routes 77/78 (Mosgiel, Mosgiel Express) and 10 (Shiell Hill/Opoho). 
 
[97]  Transport staff are receiving a growing number of enquiries about capacity issues on 
Queenstown school bus services, particularly between Jacks Point/Hanley’s Farm 
and Wakatipu High School. However, current funding does not allow for the addition 
of extra bus services to address these concerns. 
 
[98]  In addition to the Queenstown issues associated with schools, there continues to 
be capacity challenges with pupils from schools in the general South Dunedin area, 
travelling to Portobello and the peninsula, as well as out toward Mosgiel. 
 
[99]  More  broadly,  there  is  an  ongoing  challenge  with  the  Ministry  of  Education 
withdrawal of Queenstown school services. While interim services are in place for 
Term  2,  there  is  community  expectation  that  ORC  will  provide  additional  bus 
capacity,  either  as  direct  school  service  replacements,  or  as  public  bus  services 
with more school focuses routes.  
 
[100]  While  there  is  no  funding  to  facilitate  this,  we  will  continue  to  work  with  MoE, 
including  exploring  the  opportunity  of  obtaining  their  funding  to  support  school 
services. It is likely a bigger strategic conversation on Queenstown public transport 
more generally, and including school services, will be introduced for the next Long-
Term Plan. 
CONSIDERATIONS 
Strategic Framework and Policy Considerations 
[101]  The  provision  of  public  transport  services  in  Otago  is  consistent  with  Council’s 
aspirations for an integrated transport system that contributes to the accessibility 
and  connectivity  of  our  community,  reduces  congestion  and  supports  community 
wellbeing aspirations, 
Financial Considerations 
[102]  There  are  no  direct  financial  implications  resulting  from  this  report.  However,  we 
use our monitoring of network performance to inform decision making for transport 
activities. 
Significance and Engagement 
[103]  Not applicable. 
Legislative and Risk Considerations 
[104]  Not applicable. 
 
Council Meeting - 25 March 2026 
 
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Council Agenda 25 March 2026 - MATTERS FOR CONSIDERATION
Climate Change Considerations 
[105] Public Transport supports climate change aspirations within Otago.
Communications Considerations 
[106] Not applicable.
NEXT STEPS 
[107] A review of full-year performance for 2025/26 will be presented to Council in August
2026.
ATTACHMENTS 
Nil 
Council Meeting - 25 March 2026 
 
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