The Heartbeat of Dunedin: The Central Business District (CBD)

• HelloKia ora
  [key-ah or-ah]
• GoodbyeHaere rā
  [high-ree rah]
• YesĀe
  [eye]
• NoKāo
  [kah-oh]
• Please/You're welcomeĀwhina mai
  [ah-fee-nuh my]
• Thank youNgā mihi
  [nah mee-hee]
• Excuse me/SorryWhakawātea mai
  [fah-kah-why-teh-ah my]
• How are you?Kei te pēhea koe?
  [key teh pay-hair ah koh-eh]
• Fine. And you?Kei te pai. Ā, koe?
  [key teh pie. ah, koh-eh]
• Do you speak English?Kōrero koe i te reo Pākehā?
  [core-air-oh koh-eh ee teh ray-oh pah-keh-ha]
• I don't understandKaore au e mohio
  [kah-or-eh oh eh moh-hee-oh]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMe āwhina mai ki te titiro i te whārangi kai, tēnā
  [meh ah-fee-nuh my key teh tee-tee-roh ee teh fah-run-gee kai, tay-nah]
• I don't eat meatKaore au e kai i te mīti
  [kah-or-eh oh eh kai ee teh mee-tee]
• Cheers!Ūā
  [oo-ah]
• I would like to pay, pleaseKaore au e āwhina mai ki te utu, tēnā
  [kah-or-eh oh eh ah-fee-nuh my key teh oo-too, tay-nah]

• Help!Āwhina!
  [ah-fee-nuh]
• Go away!Haere atu!
  [high-ree ah-too]
• Call the Police!Karanga ki te Pirihimana!
  [kah-rah-ngah key teh pee-ree-hee-mah-nah]
• Call a doctor!Karanga ki te Rata!
  [kah-rah-ngah key teh rah-tah]
• I'm lostKei te ngaro au
  [key teh nah-roh oh]
• I'm illKei te māuiui au
  [key teh mah-oo-ee oh]

• I'd like to buy...Me hiahia ki te hoko...
  [meh hee-ah-hee-ah key teh hoh-koh]
• I'm just lookingKei te titiro tonu au
  [key teh tee-tee-roh tow-noo oh]
• How much is it?E hia te utu?
  [eh hee-ah teh oo-too]
• That's too expensiveHe nui rawa te utu
  [heh noo-ee rah-wah teh oo-too]
• Can you lower the price?Ka taea e koe te whakaiti i te utu?
  [kah tie-ah eh koh-eh teh fah-kai-tee ee teh oo-too]

• What time is it?He aha te wā?
  [heh ah-hah teh wah]
• It's one o'clockKotahi karaka
  [koh-tah-hee kah-rah-kah]
• Half past (10)Tekau mā rua
  [teh-kow mah roo-ah]
• MorningAta
  [ah-tah]
• AfternoonAhiahi
  [ah-hee-ah-hee]
• EveningPō
  [paw]
• YesterdayInāianei
  [ee-nah-ee-ah-nay]
• TodayTēnei rā
  [tay-nay rah]
• TomorrowĀpōpō
  [ah-paw-paw]
• 1Tahi
  [tah-hee]
• 2Rua
  [roo-ah]
• 3Toru
  [toh-roo]
• 4Whā
  [fah]
• 5Rima
  [ree-mah]
• 6Ono
  [oh-no]
• 7Whitu
  [fee-too]
• 8Waru
  [wah-roo]
• 9Iwa
  [ee-wah]
• 10Tekau
  [teh-kow]

• Where's a/the...?Kei hea te...?
  [key hay-ah teh]
• What's the address?He aha te wāhitau?
  [heh ah-hah teh wah-hee-tow]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Ka taea e koe te whakaatu mai ki au (i runga i te mahere)?
  [kah tie-ah eh koh-eh teh fah-kah-ah-too my key oh (ee roon-gah ee teh mah-heh-reh)]
• When's the next (bus)?Āhea te (waka) o muri?
  [ah-heh-ah teh (wah-kah) oh moo-ree]
• A ticket (to ....)He tiketi (ki ...)
  [heh tee-keh-tee key]

Dunedin was founded in 1848 by Scottish settlers, making it one of the first cities established by Europeans in New Zealand. The name Dunedin is derived from the Scottish Gaelic name for Edinburgh, 'Dùn Èideann'. The Central Business District (CBD) began to take shape as the city grew rapidly due to the gold rushes of the 1860s, which attracted people from all over the world, leading to a vibrant and diverse community.

The late 19th century saw a boom in construction within Dunedin's CBD, characterized by a mix of Victorian and Edwardian architecture. Notable buildings such as the Dunedin Railway Station, completed in 1906, and the Otago Settlers Museum, established in 1898, highlight this architectural wealth. The CBD became a hub for commerce, education, and culture, reflecting the prosperity of the region.

The 20th century brought significant economic changes to Dunedin, particularly during the Great Depression of the 1930s, which affected business in the CBD. However, the post-war period saw a resurgence with the development of new businesses and services. The establishment of the University of Otago in 1869 and its expansion contributed to the educational and cultural landscape of the CBD, enhancing its role as a center of learning.

In recent decades, Dunedin's CBD has undergone various urban renewal projects aimed at revitalizing the area and preserving its historical significance. The redevelopment of the Octagon and the revitalization of heritage buildings have transformed the CBD into a lively area filled with shops, cafes, and cultural venues. This modernization reflects a blend of Dunedin's rich history and its aspirations for the future.

The CBD serves as the focal point for many cultural celebrations and community events in Dunedin. Festivals such as the Dunedin Fringe Festival and the Dunedin Craft Beer and Food Festival take place here, showcasing local talent and fostering a sense of community. The presence of galleries, museums, and performance spaces in the CBD highlights Dunedin's commitment to arts and culture.

Dunedin's CBD is easily accessible from various neighbourhoods. If you're coming from the airport, a shuttle bus or taxi will take you to the CBD in about 30 minutes. The bus service from the airport operates regularly. For those in surrounding suburbs, the public bus network connects most areas directly to the CBD, with frequent services throughout the day. If you prefer to drive, parking is available but can be limited during peak hours.

The CBD is compact and pedestrian-friendly, making walking the best way to explore. Public buses run frequently, connecting the CBD to other parts of the city. Cyclists can rent bikes from various local shops and use designated bike lanes. Taxis and rideshare services are readily available for those who prefer not to walk or cycle. Note that there are no trains operating within the city, but the Dunedin Railway Station is a historic site worth visiting.

Dunedin is generally a safe city for tourists, but standard precautions should be taken. Areas around the Octagon and George Street are typically safe, while some side streets may have higher incidences of petty crime. Be cautious with your belongings, especially in crowded places. Avoid walking alone at night in poorly lit areas and stay aware of your surroundings.

In case of emergency, dial 111 for police, fire, or medical assistance. The Dunedin Hospital is located in the CBD and provides comprehensive health services. For minor health issues, there are several pharmacies throughout the area. It's advisable to carry travel insurance that covers emergencies.

Fashion: Do dress comfortably and appropriately for the weather, especially if visiting cultural sites. Avoid overly revealing clothing. Religion: Respect local customs; if visiting religious sites, dress modestly and follow any specific guidelines. Public Transport: Do give up your seat to the elderly or those in need. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet locals with a friendly smile or wave. Avoid overly familiar gestures until you know someone well. Eating & Drinking: Do enjoy local specialties and try craft beers. Don't drink excessively in public areas as it may be frowned upon.

To experience the CBD like a local, explore the Otago Farmers Market on Saturdays for fresh produce and local delicacies. Take time to chat with local vendors. Visit the many museums and galleries that reflect Dunedin's rich history and culture, including the Dunedin Public Art Gallery and the Toitu Otago Settlers Museum. For a unique perspective of the city, walk up to the Signal Hill lookout, especially at sunset.