A controversial Dunedin city councillor came close to getting himself ejected from a meeting over a stadium hotel reference.<\/p>\n
Cr Benedict Ong claimed at a Dunedin City Council meeting this week a hotel had \u2018\u2018now been officially announced\u2019\u2019 for Dunedin\u2019s Forsyth Barr Stadium precinct \u2014 he then struggled to understand he was required to withdraw the comment, as it had been ruled to be incorrect.<\/p>\n
Councillors are not permitted to debate meeting rulings, but Cr Ong attempted to discuss the ruling by deputy mayor Cherry Lucas, before council chief executive Sandy Graham intervened.<\/p>\n
An adjournment was called and, after a discussion with Ms Graham, Cr Ong withdrew his comment.<\/p>\n
Amid the exchanges, Dunedin Mayor Sophie Barker, who called the point of order, said a hotel had not been confirmed.<\/p>\n
References by Cr Ong at Thursday\u2019s meeting to a stadium hotel came in the same week he angered colleagues by breaching confidentiality about the project.<\/p>\n
Cr Andrew Simms said on Wednesday Cr Ong\u2019s disclosure of the Russell Property Group\u2019s involvement \u2018\u2018may have jeopardised $50 million of external investment in vital visitor accommodation for Dunedin\u2019\u2019.<\/p>\n
Dunedin City Holdings chairman Tim Loan said in an email to Ms Graham on Tuesday the release of confidential information \u2018\u2018created external noise and required immediate engagement with the parties concerned\u2019\u2019.<\/p>\n
After efforts had to be made to shore up the project, Cr Ong initially presented its progress as certain. He clarified it was a proposal.<\/p>\n
A stadium hotel concept was first presented to the\u00a0Otago Daily Times\u00a0in 2021.<\/p>\n
Dunedin Venues said this week the Russell Property Group had been engaged to further develop concept options and undertake a viability assessment.<\/p>\n
Cr Ong mentioned the project during a discussion at the council about New Year\u2019s Eve fireworks.<\/p>\n
Asked to withdraw his comment, Cr Ong asked: \u2018\u2018What if I don\u2019t?\u2019\u2019<\/p>\n
\u2018\u2018Then you\u2019ll be asked to leave the meeting,\u2019\u2019 the mayor said.<\/p>\n
It was not the only time at the meeting Cr Ong struggled with procedure.<\/p>\n
He tried to give himself a right of reply after speeches about the proposed sale of the former Fortune Theatre \u2014 but he was not the mover of the resolution.<\/p>\n
\u2018\u2018I think you\u2019re a little confused,\u2019\u2019 Ms Barker said.<\/p>\n