Dunedinstore, 4 Dowling Street, Dunedin (2026)

23/09/2025

🎙️ This week on Dunedin Stories, we're joined by Conrad Stedman Dunedin City Councillor Candidate who's stepping back into the ring after being elected in 2016. For him, watching from the sidelines the past six years has only sharpened his drive to dig into the city's big issues and make some positive change.

From looking at council expenditure from a business perspective and pushing for smarter spending, to championing South Dunedin and keeping community engagement at the heart of his approach, Conrad shares why he's running and the values that guide him: straight talk, hard work, and never losing sight of the people he serves.

We also go beyond politics, chatting coffee orders, favourite lunch spots (special shout-out to The Duck 🦆), best advice received, music picks, and his loyalty to Otago. 💙💛

Bex reflects on Conrad's ability to follow through and get the job done, while Conrad reminds us why having leaders who ask tough questions and bring fresh perspectives matters for Dunedin's future.

This is a must-listen conversation as local elections draw near, your reminder to get out and vote! 🗳️

Watch Ep. 52 here 🔗 https://dunedinstore.nz/links

13/08/2025

In this episode of Dunedin Stories, we welcome our second Future Dunedin councillor candidate, Andrew Sutton for Council . A born and bred East Otago farmer, turned teacher and now standing for both the Dunedin City Council and Mosgiel/Taieri Community Board seat.

After years on the farm, Andrew made a major life pivot, driven by a desire to work with people and have a positive impact on young lives. Here, we trace his journey from the paddocks to the classroom and now into the political arena, exploring the values and motivations behind his campaign.

Andrew shares his admiration for Andrew Simms. Mayoral and Council Candidate, DCC 2025 and how that inspired him to get involved, his vision for a new performing arts theatre, and the need to run the council to deliver sustainable growth and absolute transparency. He also talks through his leadership approach, his concerns around Smooth Hill, and what it takes to navigate opinions in a divided space.

Plus, we wrap with a few light-hearted questions: coffee orders, surprise music tastes, favourite local spots and what makes Dunedin special.

Watch Ep. 51 here 🔗 https://dunedinstore.nz/links

07/08/2025

This week on Dunedin Stories, for our 50th episode, host Bex flips the mic on herself and dives into her own wild ride, with a little help from Firebrand - Marketing & Digital Transformation Managing Director, Georgina. We take it back to the beginning: growing up in Pine Hill, navigating school life and eventually finding her feet in her first job teaching youngsters how to use computers.

Fast forward to today, Bex is one of the founding forces behind Firebrand, a full-service marketing and digital transformation agency that's partnered with everyone from government to grassroots. Now, Bex is shifting gears and hoping to bring her experience, insights and energy to the Dunedin City Council table!

So, why the run? It's part inspiration from Georgina, part frequent nudging from the late Mayor Dave Cull and a fateful message, then a very long coffee with Andrew Simms. Mayoral and Council Candidate, DCC 2025 that set all things Future Dunedin in motion. Bex shares her vision for a more confident, connected Ōtepoti Dunedin, where trust is rebuilt, culture is reset and fear is replaced with bold, people-first leadership.

We cover it all: parking and sustainable business growth, the highs and heartbreaks of business ownership, karaoke jams, coffee orders, hidden talents, and why her dream dinner date is none other than Cyndi Lauper.

If you feel like you have already seen a lot of Bex lately, you're not imagining it. She's all in with plans for a physical HQ, zoomies and other new ways to connect you with the future Future Dunedin team.

Watch Ep. 50 here 🔗 https://dunedinstore.nz/links

28/07/2025

In this episode, we're joined by Nadine Simpson, a long-time Dunedinite, passionate advocate and community advisor for MP Ingrid Leary. With a background in advocacy and over 10 years in her current role, Nadine travels across Otago, acting as the eyes and ears on the ground, to help ensure people have access to the information and support they need.

Empathy, experience and a deep knowledge of the region are her superpowers, earning her the unofficial title of "walking encyclopedia." We chat about what it means to listen to a community, her favourite Dunedin spots, such as Whare Flat, the Esplanade and the Monarch Wildlife Cruises and her admiration for suffragette Harriette Morrison.

Nadine also shares details of an exciting project she's working on: using technology to bring visibility to Dunedin's historic wāhine, sharing stories that have long gone untold.

Watch Ep. 49 here 🔗 https://dunedinstore.nz/links

15/07/2025

On this episode, we chat with Josh, Founder and CEO of Cue-Go a lighting and audio-visual company shining fresh light in Dunedin. From what started as a student side hustle, Josh's journey has been a whirlwind! Fast forward less than two years, and Cue-Go now installs and hires out lighting rigs, speakers, screens, projectors, everything you need to bring an event to life. 🎆

Originally from Holland, Josh moved to New Zealand at 12 before making the move down south for University. Drawn in by Dunedin's student energy and strong startup scene, he quickly saw potential to launch something of his own.

With support from Startup Dunedin Josh built Cue-Go from the ground up. Josh shouts out local industry legends, Strawberry Southern Lights & Services Ltd and Gravity Events who supported Josh as he built up his gear, experience, and reputation to what it is today.

Now, Cue-Go is expanding into the North Island with a new branch in Palmerston North and Josh is launching an entertainment and laser tag venture while he's at it. All this, and he's still finishing his degree!

Watch Ep. 48 here 🔗 https://dunedinstore.nz/links

09/07/2025

On this episode of Dunedin Stories, Andrew Simms. Mayoral and Council Candidate, DCC 2025 respected business leader and proud local, shares the journey that led him to step forward in running for mayor.

Raised in Dunedin from the age of four, Andrew reflects on growing up in Corstorphine and Waverley, attending Grants Braes Primary, Tahuna Intermediate and Bayfield High School.

He talks about his time on the Mosgiel Taieri Community Board, leading local advocacy, and why he believes Dunedin needs accountable, community-focused leadership. At the heart of his mayoral campaign: financial responsibility, practical decision-making, and building a Dunedin that works for everyone.

Watch Ep. 47 here 🔗 https://dunedinstore.nz/links

Learn more about Andrew Simms, Future Dunedin and their policies at https://futuredunedin.nz/

29/05/2025

By day, Kemp Reynolds is a Customer Success Manager in the tech world. By night? He's the Chair of Life Education Trust - Coastal Otago — and a big part of why Harold continues to be a national icon (yes, that Harold🦒).

For over 35 years, Life Education has been delivering impactful health and wellbeing programmes to tamariki across Aotearoa. Kemp shares how the magic happens, from mobile classrooms to critical lessons delivered, obtaining regional funding and the pivots they made overcoming Covid.

We discuss purpose, people skills, and how Kemp's knack for connection led him from fixing computers to leading community initiatives — all while helping young people build resilience, confidence, and a sense of self.

🦒 Want to support Harold and the team? Here's your chance. Life Education Trust Coastal Otago is gearing up for its first-ever Street Appeal on Saturday, 21 June, and they're calling for volunteers to help make it a success. This one-day event will raise vital funds to support the health and wellbeing education delivered to tamariki across the region.

Get involved here 🔗 https://volunteersignup.org/TJL9Q
Watch Ep. 46 here 🔗 https://dunedinstore.nz/links

13/05/2025

In this episode, meet Jonny Mirkin, a 'startup king of Ōtepoti' as Bex describes. With an eye for innovation and a commitment to wellbeing, in his latest venture, Givenwell Jonny is reimagining how organisations support their people, offering employees access to a nationwide library of wellbeing options—from therapy and yoga to gym memberships and more.🌿🧘‍♂️

Jonny shares his journey from studying law to launching a platform that puts choice and autonomy at the centre of workplace wellbeing. His travels through the US and UK, combined with personal experiences exploring the work/life balance, shaped the evolution of Givenwell—from a simple idea to a growing force now launched into the Australian market.🚀

Jonny speaks openly about his mission: to help founders and employees create healthier, more empowered teams. "If you step out of the way and empower people to care for themselves in their own way, that'll have a far greater impact on their wellbeing."💗

🎧 Listen to episode 45 on your favourite platform here 🔗 https://dunedinstore.nz/links

05/05/2025

Got an idea? Rachel Butler and Startup Dunedin are here to help you start, grow and connect. For 15+ years, they've supported businesses, social enterprises and not-for-profits with practical tools and people-first programmes.💚
Startup Dunedin is all about making entrepreneurship more accessible and giving people the capabilities that allow them to invest their skills and learnings back into the community.💪

She shares success stories and reflects on what makes Dunedin unique for startups. It's big enough that we have the infrastructure to support entrepreneurship but small enough that nearly everyone knows your name and if not can easily connect you!😉 Rachel reminds us that entrepreneurship is for everyone and that the attitude in this city isn't "Let me know how it goes" - it's "What do you need?" Which is what makes Ōtepoti Dunedin so special.🏙️

We finish with a great round of “Below the Surface” and a special nod to the passing of an incredible university professor who significantly supported the shaping of Rachel’s pathway. 💜

🎧 Listen to episode 44 on your favourite platform here 🔗 https://dunedinstore.nz/links

30/04/2025

We're back with more Dunedin Stories! Today on the Mic, we have the extraordinary Ruben Skipper of Dunedin Property Management 🏠

An OB's alum with a love for Dunedin, Rueben joined the Air Force as a pilot at 17 before carving out an eclectic career across Aotearoa and beyond—from startups in Wellington to property software in Sydney. With a strong grounding in psychology, business and Te Ao Māori, Rueben founded Dunedin Property Management with a vision to focus on people and values; whānau, care and connection—above all else. ❤️

In this episode, Rueben shares what it takes to start from scratch, why he's chosen to plant roots in Ōtepoti Dunedin, and how surfing, golf and fatherhood shape his rhythm today. We wrap things up with a round of Below the Surface! 🌊

🎧 Listen to episode 43 on your favourite platform here 🔗 https://dunedinstore.nz/links

03/03/2025

This week, we’re sitting down with Duncan Croudis—a true Dunedin local, an avid golfer and Investment Advisor at Forsyth Barr who's a big believer in financial literacy for everyone. 💰⛳

Duncan’s money mindset started early—his mum was a banker, and by age 10, she had him and his brothers buying their first shares at Forsyth Barr. Fast forward a few years, after earning a golf scholarship to the U.S, studying and working in finance, he’s now four years deep at Forsyth Barr’s Dunedin's head office.

In this episode, Duncan talks about making investing accessible: whether you have $500 or $500,000, there’s a strategy for you.📈 AI in the industry: how they're embracing innovation, and why human touch will always matter.🤖 And "Health is wealth": prioritising movement, good conversations, and getting in the St Clair surf.⚡

Of course, we get into Duncan's Dunedin must-visits, for a coffee it's The Corner Store Cafe ☕ for a bite, Paasha Turkish Cafe , VAULT 21 , Graze & Glow or Prohibition Smokehouse . 🍽 His fav golf spot went to Balmac Golf Course.🏌️‍♂️

🎧 Listen to episode 42 on your favourite platform here 🔗 https://dunedinstore.nz/links

16/02/2025

What happens when a clinical psychologist with 28 years of experience steps onto the comedy stage? You get It's Nicola Brown an award-winning comedian who blends sharp wit with deep insights into the human mind. We're so excited to have her on the Dunedin Stories mic!🎙️

Dunedin-born and bred, Nicola has spent six years in stand-up, winning Outstanding Comedy and Outstanding Solo Performance at Auckland Fringe. Now, she's bringing her latest show, Space Invaders, back to Dunedin Fringe Festival for one night only—March 13, for the opening night at Te Whare o Rukutia 🛸

In this episode, expect big laughs, talks on body humour, and a fresh take on how the worlds of comedy and psychology collide—both attend to people, just on different scales. She'll also dive into how therapy is evolving, from the impacts of COVID to the rise of AI. Oh, and no… she can't read your mind. 😆

Whether she delivers serious messages through humour or just makes you crack up, Nicola's all about comedy with purpose. Don't miss it!

🎟 Get your tickets at duedinfringe.nz
🎧 Listen to episode 41 on your favourite platform 🔗 https://dunedinstore.nz/links

Dunedinstore

23/09/2025

13/08/2025

07/08/2025

28/07/2025

15/07/2025

09/07/2025

29/05/2025

13/05/2025

05/05/2025

30/04/2025

03/03/2025

16/02/2025

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