Controversial Dunedin city councillor Benedict Ong is again facing a code of conduct complaint.<\/p>\n
It was filed by Dunedin City Council chief executive Sandy Graham in relation to alleged disclosure of confidential information.<\/p>\n
Independent investigator Steph Dyhrberg has been appointed to look into the complaint.<\/p>\n
It is understood the confidential information relates to Cr Ong’s disclosures about the possibility of a hotel being built beside Forsyth Barr Stadium in Dunedin.<\/p>\n
Cr Ong revealed to news media the name of a firm that could be involved in the project, the Russell Property Group.<\/p>\n
Dunedin Venues said subsequently the group had been engaged to further develop concept options and undertake a viability assessment.<\/p>\n
In an email to Cr Ong this evening, Ms Graham asked for confidentiality. He then shared her email with media.<\/p>\n
“Please note, that given the nature of the complaint, this matter is to be treated as confidential until such time as the investigator has reviewed the material,” Ms Graham said.<\/p>\n
“The reasons for confidentiality are to protect council\u2019s legal and commercial position given the potential liability and commercial loss that has been created by your emails.<\/p>\n
“A failure to respect confidentiality at this point in the process is likely to constitute a further breach of the code of conduct.”<\/p>\n
In an email to media, Cr Ong portrayed himself as a victim of “false attacks”.<\/p>\n
Cr Ong has previously breached the code of conduct.<\/p>\n
This was in relation to an email about a staff member.<\/p>\n
Councillors asked Cr Ong to consider resigning. He declined to do so.<\/p>\n
He earlier complained of conduct by Cr John Chambers, but his complaint was dismissed as being without substance.<\/p>\n