Full Breakdown
Dunedin Councillor Benedict Ong Censured Amid Conduct Controversies
3/25/2026, 6:33:37 AM
Censure and Removal of Roles
Dunedin City Councillor Benedict Ong faced censure from his fellow councillors following a report detailing breaches of the council's code of conduct. During a council meeting, Ong read a passage from Franz Kafka's novel *The Trial*, rather than addressing the allegations against him, which included inappropriate behavior towards a staff member involved in a separate code of conduct case. Mayor Sophie Barker expressed her horror at the report's findings, stating, “the council needs to give a strong message that it considers councillor Ong’s behaviour to be completely unacceptable.” The council voted 10-2 to censure Ong, removing him from key roles including the Portfolio Deputy Technology and as a representative on the Otago Settlers Association and the Toitu Otago Settlers Museum board.
Background of Allegations
The independent investigation, led by Steph Dyhrberg, concluded that Ong's actions were retaliatory towards a staff member who provided testimony that contradicted his own. Mayor Barker emphasized the need for accountability, stating she did not have confidence in Ong’s ability to represent the council appropriately. Ong's conduct has been marred by previous controversies, including a recent incident where he was escorted from a meeting for arriving with tape over his mouth, a protest against perceived mistreatment.
Ong's Response and Defiance
In response to the censure, Ong thanked the councillors who opposed the motions and labeled the allegations against him as “false.” He asserted his commitment to serving his elected term, stating, “I have been elected... that is what our community wants.” Ong has refused to resign, despite the council's invitation for him to consider doing so. He criticized the council's actions as retaliatory and expressed a desire for an apology regarding the allegations.
Criticism of the Council's Actions
Some councillors, including Russell Lund and Lee Vandervis, voiced dissent regarding the severity of the censure. Lund argued that the council should not take further action, suggesting that it was up to voters to express their dissatisfaction. Vandervis questioned whether Ong's conduct constituted a serious breach of the code, suggesting that the punitive measures taken were excessive.
Financial Implications
As a result of the censure, Ong's remuneration will decrease from approximately $100,000 to about $84,500, reflecting his removal from various roles. Mayor Barker noted that the updated remuneration proposal would be submitted to the Remuneration Authority for approval.
Conflicting Perspectives
While the majority of the council supported the censure, there remains a divide among councillors regarding the appropriateness of the actions taken against Ong. Some believe the council's response was necessary to uphold standards, while others view it as an overreach that could undermine the council's integrity.
Verbatim Quotes
- “My view is the council needs to give a strong message that it considers councillor Ong’s behaviour to be completely unacceptable and takes the strongest measure that it can to invite councillor Ong to consider resigning,” — Sophie Barker, Mayor of Dunedin
- “Very simply, I have been elected. I am a contractor for the next 2.5 years to serve at the pleasure of our community, and that is what our community wants,” — Benedict Ong, Councillor
- “I do not have confidence that councillor Ong can behave appropriately as a representative of a council that I lead,” — Sophie Barker, Mayor of Dunedin
- “I contemplated the other options for penalties we have from the code of conduct and I’m disappointed that we can give only one, as personally, I feel no confidence in the member.” — Sophie Barker, Mayor of Dunedin
The situation surrounding Councillor Ong continues to evolve, with implications for both his political future and the council's governance standards.
