Sophie Barker

Sophie Barker is a New Zealand politician currently serving as the Mayor of Dunedin, a position she assumed in October 2025. A centre-left independent, she previously served as a Dunedin city councillor starting in 2019 and held the role of deputy mayor from 2022 to 2023. Before her mayoral tenure, Barker worked in marketing and tourism and was employed by the Dunedin City Council. Throughout her career, she has focused on local governance reforms, including the implementation of a portfolio-based governance model, and has been an advocate for community-focused initiatives such as homelessness outreach services. Barker grew up in Dunedin's Larnach Castle and has been a vocal supporter of legislation aimed at addressing stalking and harassment.