Jules Radich

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Jules Radich
Radich in 2019
59th Mayor of Dunedin
Incumbent
Assumed office
8 October 2022
Preceded byAaron Hawkins
Personal details
Born1954 (age 69–70)
Mataura, New Zealand
Political partyTeam Dunedin
ResidenceSt Clair, Dunedin
Alma materUniversity of Otago

Jules Vincent Radich (born 1954)[1] is a New Zealand politician who has served as the 59th mayor of Dunedin, New Zealand since 2022. He has also served as councillor for the Dunedin City Council since 2019.[2] Radich also serves as deputy Chair of Infrastructure and sits as a member on the Saddle Hill Community Board.[3]

Early life and education

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Radich claims Scottish, Māori, Irish and Dalmatian ancestry.[1] Radich was born in Mataura,[1] before moving to Dunedin to study a Bachelor of Science at the University of Otago. He taught science and physics.[4]

Business career

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Radich started Uptown Motorcycles in Dunedin, and after 20 years, sold the company. Radich is a company director for Action Coach Otago and has been a business coach for 14 years.[3][5]

Political career

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First term and 2022 mayoral election

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Radich served his first term as a councillor on the Dunedin City Council (DCC) between 2019 and 2022. During the 2022 Dunedin mayoral election, he stood as a mayoral candidate on the Team Dunedin electoral ticket.[6] During the election, Radich campaigned on reducing debt levels and restoring local confidence. On 8 October 2022, Radich defeated incumbent Mayor of Dunedin Aaron Hawkins.[6][7] Following his election as mayor, Radich confirmed several policy positions including launching a review of the George Street revamp, retaining the city's one-way traffic system and investing in infrastructure to deal with stormwater inundation.[8][9]

In mid October 2022, Radich appointed Sophie Baker as deputy mayor and chair of the Dunedin City Council's new strategy and engagement committee. In addition, he appointed Lee Vandervis, who had been previously overlooked for leadership roles, to the finance and council-controlled organisations committee. Radich retained Jim O'Malley as infrastructure services chairman. In allocating his appointments, Radich stated that his goal was to "create an environment where all councillors' skills and strengths are harnessed and their voices heard, and to lead a united council for the benefit of the city." Senior councillor and former Labour Member of Parliament David Benson-Pope and Labour councillor Steve Walker were not appointed to any committee chair or deputy chair roles.[10][11]

Three Waters and co-governance

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In early November 2022, Radich expressed conditional support for the Government's controversial Three Waters reform programme but advocated more local ownership over water resources and infrastructure. While supporting national water regulation, Radich argued that the administration of water in the Otago and Southland Regions should be done at the regional level rather than through an entity covering the entire South Island.[12] On 9 November, Radich and all DCC councillors with the exception of Vandervis voted to sign an updated agreement with the two local mana whenua (tribal groups) Kati Huirapa Rūnaka ki Puketeraki and Te Rūnanga ō Ōtākou.[13]

2022 COVID-19 remarks

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In mid-November 2022, Radich attracted media attention after stating there was "no cause for alarm" after around 800 passengers aboard the cruise ship Majestic Princess tested positive for COVID-19. The Majestic Princess had visited several New Zealand locations including Dunedin before returning to Sydney on 13 November 2022. Radich claimed that there was no cause for alarm due to the measures taken by Dunedin health professionals and the high rate of COVID-19 vaccinations in Dunedin. He stated that his "main concern is about whether we can provide enough entertainment for those people on cruise ships." By contrast, University of Otago epidemiologist Michael Baker described the situation on Majestic Princess as a major outbreak and said that the cruise industry should have done more to limit infections and care for patients.[14]

Pay dispute with Benson Pope and Walker

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In December 2022, Radich was locked in a pay dispute with two fellow councillors Benson Pope and Steve Walker. Following his election in October 2022, Radich had proposed a new seven-committee structure with every councillor getting a role as a chair or deputy. Breaking with tradition, Radich had proposed paying councillors serving as chairs and deputy chairs more than councillors without additional responsibilities; with deputy chairs earning NZ$80,442 and other councillors earning NZ$64,353 per annum. Benson Pope and Walker claimed that Radich had offered them roles which he knew they would reject. In response to criticism, Radich rejected claims that his actions were political and claimed that they reflected the difference in work he expected from councillors holding additional responsibilities. In mid-December 2022, the Remuneration Authority rejected Radich's proposal to cut Benson Pope and Walker's salary by 11.7 percent on the grounds that it was unlawful. In mid-December, the DCC considered a revised proposal that would reduce the salaries of the deputy mayor and deputy chair by NZ$2,144 and NZ$2,460 while raising Walker and Benson-Pope's salary to $8430 each, bringing their annual remuneration to $72,783.[15][16]

Dunedin Hospital

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In December 2022, Radich initially supported Te Whatu Ora's (Health New Zealand) cutbacks to operating facilities at the new Dunedin Hospital.[17] By January 2023, Radich had revised his position in the face of opposition from the public and fellow Dunedin City councillors including Benson-Pope to the proposed hospital rebuild cutbacks. Radich argued that opposing Health NZ's proposed hospital cutbacks could help improve public opinion ratings of the Dunedin City Council, which had declined to a record 25 percent low in 2022.[18] In late January, Radich seconded Benson-Pope's motion urging the DCC to contribute NZ$130,400 for a public campaign to support the hospital rebuild project as it was outlined in the final business case.[19] On 31 January, the DCC including Radich voted unanimously to support Benson-Pope's motion to fight changes to the Dunedin Hospital's design.[20]

Barry Williams racism controversy

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In September 2023, Radich was criticised for his handling of a code of conduct breach involving Barry Williams, the chair of Strath Taieri Community Board.[21] Williams had racially abused a non-white staff member at the Strath Taieri Hotel in Middlemarch following a mistake with a food order. While the Dunedin City Council had wanted Williams to resign from his position, Radich decided not to take further disciplinary action against Williams after the latter apologised, stating during a Radio New Zealand interview that "it happened in a pub, and he [Williams] didn't even remember that it had happened, so it was just a relatively minor thing."[22] In response, Deputy Mayor Sophie Barker and fellow Councillor Jim O'Malley filed a code of conduct complaint against Radich over his handling of William's behaviour.[21] In addition, Barker resigned from her position as Deputy Mayor while remaining a councillor. The DCC also confirmed that it would look at Radich's conduct during the incident. First-term councillor and business owner Cherry Lucas was appointed as Dunedin's deputy mayor.[23]

In mid December 2023, an independent investigator found that Radich had breached the Council's code of conduct and brought the City Council into disrepute over his comments regarding Williams' racist remarks. Radich publicly apologised for his behaviour. In addition, the investigator found that a fellow Councillor Carmen Houlahan had breached the Council's code of conduct by harrying Barker and O'Malley over their complaint against Radich.[24][25]

2024 budget

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On 12 March 2024, Radich supported a Dunedin City Council (DCC) proposal to raise rates by 17.5% in order to fund the Council's operations and works. He disagreed with budgets cuts and opposed deferring work on water and wastewater infrastructure. Radich said that "pipes and plumbing are out of sight, and the price of maintenance can seem too much. Now that a survey of our network has been completed, it is apparent that extensive expenditure is required." The DCC voted by a margin of 13-1 to adopt draft operating budgets for the purpose of community engagement. The sole dissenter was Councillor Lee Vandervis, who objected to increasing the Council's debt.[26]

In early May 2024, Radich ranked a low +1% in polling agency Curia Research's nationwide poll of New Zealand mayors over the past several months. Radich attributed his low ranking to public dissatisfaction with increasing rates and debt levels in Dunedin, saying "I'm working hard to put Dunedin's finances on a more sustainable path, but it's certainly not fun. The difficult decisions fall to me and the councillors."[27]

Meetings

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On 22 May 2024, Radich was criticised by Crs David Benson-Pope and Sophie Barker for not holding regular statutory chief executive appraisal committee. The last such committee meeting was held on 8 September 2023. Radich disputed Benson-Pope and Barkers' criticisms, arguing that the DCC had held regular meetings.[28]

Israel-Palestine conflict

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In late May 2024, Radich and a majority of the Dunedin City Council adopted a motion urging the New Zealand government to create special visas for Palestinian refugees by a margin of 14 to one votes in response to the Israel-Hamas war. Radich said that he did not see this motion as "one of aggression or blame. It's one of safety... it's on the side of humanity."[29]

Aurora Energy

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In mid March 2024, Radich supported a DCC proposal to consult ratepayers on a proposal to sell the Council-owned power company Aurora Energy in order to pay off the company's forecast debt of NZ$750 million. Radich said that the money would be invested in an investment fund to generate revenue for the DCC. The Council voted by a margin of 13-1 to consult the public on Aurora Energy's sale proposal.[30]

In late September 2024, Radich and a majority of DCC councillors voted in favour of retaining energy company Aurora Energy following strong public opposition to its proposal sale. While describing Aurora as a "cash hungry beast," he described the company as a good long-term investment since the cash it was consuming would increase the company's value and help fund infrastructure building and growth.[31]

Personal life

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Radich was a foundation member of the Orokonui Ecosanctuary. He is also a member of the Dunedin Art Society, Wine & Food Society, Investors Club, Underwater Hockey Club, Otago Motorcycle Club and Forest & Bird.[3][4] Radich currently lives in St Clair, Dunedin.[32]

References

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  1. ^ a b c Morris, Chris (14 October 2019). "Four new councillors eager to get down to work". Otago Daily Times. Archived from the original on 12 October 2022.
  2. ^ "Jules Radich wins Dunedin mayoral race". Otago Daily Times. 8 October 2022. Retrieved 8 October 2022.
  3. ^ a b c Dunedin City Council. "Jules RADICH". Dunedin City Council. Archived from the original on 8 October 2022. Retrieved 8 October 2022.
  4. ^ a b "Jules Radich". Team Dunedin. Archived from the original on 22 October 2022. Retrieved 8 October 2022.
  5. ^ Miller, Grant (10 October 2022). "Radich at forefront of change". Otago Daily Times. Archived from the original on 21 October 2022. Retrieved 11 October 2022.
  6. ^ a b "Election 2022: Jules Radich wins Dunedin mayoral race". The New Zealand Herald. 8 October 2022. Archived from the original on 14 October 2022. Retrieved 11 October 2022.
  7. ^ "New Dunedin mayor Jules Radich: Landslide results shows need for change in direction". Radio New Zealand. 8 October 2022. Archived from the original on 19 October 2022. Retrieved 11 October 2022.
  8. ^ Miller, Grant (10 October 2022). "Radich at forefront of change". Otago Daily Times. Archived from the original on 21 October 2022. Retrieved 11 October 2022.
  9. ^ "New mayors of Wellington, Dunedin on infrastructure projects, three waters reform". Radio New Zealand. 10 October 2022. Archived from the original on 17 October 2022. Retrieved 11 October 2022.
  10. ^ Miller, Grant (20 October 2022). "Radich announces senior council roles". Otago Daily Times. Archived from the original on 20 October 2022. Retrieved 22 October 2022.
  11. ^ "2022 Election results". Dunedin City Council. 31 October 2022. Archived from the original on 3 November 2022. Retrieved 9 November 2022.
  12. ^ Miller, Grant (2 November 2022). "Water admin should stay at local level: Radic". Otago Daily Times. Retrieved 2 November 2022.
  13. ^ Saunders, Cas (14 November 2022). "DCC to sign updated agreement with mana whenua". Otago Daily Times. Archived from the original on 14 November 2022. Retrieved 17 November 2022.
  14. ^ "Cruise ship Covid-19 'no cause for alarm'". Radio New Zealand. 14 November 2022. Archived from the original on 15 November 2022. Retrieved 17 November 2022.
  15. ^ McNeilly, Hamish (13 December 2022). "Council squabbles over pay: 'I can't believe we are still talking about this'". Stuff. Archived from the original on 18 December 2022. Retrieved 23 December 2022.
  16. ^ "Remuneration Authority rejects Dunedin mayor Jules Radich's salary cut proposal". The New Zealand Herald. 12 December 2022. Archived from the original on 16 December 2022. Retrieved 23 December 2022.
  17. ^ "Mayor now saying no to planned cutbacks on hospital". Otago Daily Times. Allied Press. December 2022. Retrieved 2 January 2023.
  18. ^ Maclean, Hamish (2 January 2023). "Fight for hospital could help lift ratings: mayor". Otago Daily Times. Archived from the original on 2 January 2023. Retrieved 2 January 2023.
  19. ^ McNeilly, Hamish (27 January 2023). "Fight looming over proposed cuts to Dunedin hospital rebuild". Stuff. Archived from the original on 29 January 2023. Retrieved 7 February 2023.
  20. ^ "Council agrees to challenge changes to new Dunedin Hospital". Radio New Zealand. 31 January 2023. Archived from the original on 2 February 2023. Retrieved 7 February 2023.
  21. ^ a b McNeilly, Hamish (11 September 2023). "Dunedin deputy mayor Sophie Barker resigns over working relationship with the mayor". Stuff. Archived from the original on 11 September 2023. Retrieved 12 September 2023.
  22. ^ McNeilly, Hamish (6 September 2023). "Leaked letter reveals racist abuse from Otago politician over pub food order". Stuff. Archived from the original on 11 September 2023. Retrieved 12 September 2023.
  23. ^ Miller, Grant (11 September 2023). "First term councillor appointed Dunedin's deputy mayor". Otago Daily Times. Archived from the original on 12 September 2023. Retrieved 12 September 2023.
  24. ^ Miller, Grant (13 December 2023). "Dunedin Mayor Jules Radich's race comments 'brought council into disrepute'". The New Zealand Herald. Archived from the original on 13 December 2023. Retrieved 15 December 2023.
  25. ^ "Dunedin mayor and councillor breached code of conduct, investigation finds". Radio New Zealand. 13 December 2023. Archived from the original on 13 December 2023. Retrieved 15 December 2023.
  26. ^ Miller, Grant (12 March 2024). "DCC debates possible 17.5% rates increase". Otago Daily Times. Archived from the original on 12 March 2024. Retrieved 15 March 2024.
  27. ^ Littlewood, Matthew (2 May 2024). "Radich ranks low in poll of NZ's mayors". Otago Daily Times. Archived from the original on 3 May 2024. Retrieved 23 May 2024.
  28. ^ Miller, Grant; MacLean, Hamish (22 May 2024). "Radich has 'none of the skills' for mayor". Otago Daily Times. Archived from the original on 22 May 2024. Retrieved 23 May 2024.
  29. ^ Littlewood, Matthew (29 May 2024). "Council pushes for Palestinian visa". Otago Daily Times. Archived from the original on 29 May 2024. Retrieved 31 May 2024.
  30. ^ "Dunedin council takes Aurora Energy proposal public". Radio New Zealand. 14 March 2024. Archived from the original on 14 March 2024. Retrieved 15 March 2024.
  31. ^ "Dunedin City Council votes to keep hold of Aurora Energy". RNZ. 25 September 2024. Archived from the original on 25 September 2024. Retrieved 25 September 2024.
  32. ^ "ALLANDALE TRUSTEE LIMITED (1512350) Registered". Companies Register. New Zealand Companies Office. Archived from the original on 14 October 2022. Retrieved 11 October 2022.
Political offices
Preceded by Mayor of Dunedin
2022–present 		Succeeded by
Incumbent
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