[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 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."
[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] 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.
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.
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.
[15][16] 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.
[21] Earlier in June 2024, Health Minister Shane Reti had reiterated the National-led government's commitment to its 2023 election promise of restoring previously cut beds, operating theatres and equipment at the new Dunedin Hospital.
[23] In mid-September 2024, Radich and New Zealand Nurses' Organisation delegate Linda Smillie met with Health Minister Reti to present a 23,000 strong petition opposing the proposed cuts to the New Dunedin Hospital.
[30] 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.
"[32] 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.
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.
[38] 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.