Full Breakdown
OUSA Moves to Trespass Dunedin Councillor Benedict Ong Over Student Complaints
9/2/2026, 5:45:23 AM
OUSA’s Trespass Decision
The Otago University Students’ Association (OUSA) announced that it will bar Dunedin City Councillor Benedict Ong from all OUSA facilities. — President Daniel Leamy, OUSA “OUSA has received numerous complaints from students regarding Councillor Benedict Ong,” — President Daniel, OUSA president. Leamy said the trespass is intended to protect student wellbeing and urged the University of Otago to adopt the same restriction. He emphasized that OUSA will support any student who reports “inappropriate and unwanted behaviours” by directing them to the OUSA Student Support Centre.
Background on Councillor Ong
Benedict Ong, a former international banker, was elected to the Otepoti Dunedin City Council last October. Since taking office, he has been involved in multiple council code-of-conduct complaints and has faced criticism for confrontational behaviour, including being escorted out of a council meeting after refusing to remove a social-media post critical of Mayor Sophie Barker. His public profile includes frequent social-media posts that show him interacting with students on the Otago campus.
Official Responses
OUSA’s statement framed the trespass as a “reasonable step” to ensure that campus facilities remain safe for all students, while acknowledging that the university’s premises are open to the public.
Councillor Ong’s Reaction
He dismissed the request for comment as already addressed in his earlier post and did not provide further details about the allegations.
Implications for Campus Safety
The trespass notice highlights ongoing tensions between elected officials and university communities over conduct on campus. OUSA’s move signals a willingness to use its authority over student facilities to address behaviour it deems harmful, while the university’s limited response leaves the broader policy implications unresolved.
