New Dunedin councillor Benedict Ong has made a complaint about the conduct of another city councillor.
Details were sketchy yesterday, but Cr Ong said he complained about fellow new councillor John Chambers for “discriminatory comments he made against our South Asian community in Dunedin”.
Cr Chambers said he was a bit shocked by yesterday’s developments.
“Really, all I can say is I’m happy to comply with whatever process the council sets up to address it.”
Dunedin City Council chief executive Sandy Graham said she was required to follow a procedure set out in the code of conduct.
“I am following that process and have communicated separately with the two councillors,” she said.
“The process involves the appointment of an investigator, which, given how close it is to Christmas, will not happen until the new year.”
Cr Ong objected to comments he said were made at a closed workshop about economic development on December 12, as well as in a private interaction afterwards.
He looked to be helpful to correct “wrong remarks” by Cr Chambers and said they were divisive.
Among various points in an email to Ms Graham, Cr Ong described Dunedin as a city of heritage, inclusivity, kindness and community.
“That I can return after a lifetime away and have the privilege to serve our city is proof of that.”
In her response, Ms Graham said the investigator would make a preliminary assessment and the matter “should not be litigated in public or in the media” in the meantime.
Ms Graham asked Cr Ong not to contact other elected members about the matter until the code of conduct process had been completed.
“It is important that the investigation is not compromised.”
Cr Ong responded to Ms Graham with a few points and copied in the Otago Daily Times and elected members.