Cr Benedict Ong. On February 20, Dunedin Mayor Sophie Barker wrote to Cr Ong to advise she was stripping from him privileges about attending informal meetings, as well as deputy leadership of the technology portfolio. She added that: "I will be requesting council to approve removing you from your role as council representative on the Otago Settlers Association and the Toitū Otago Settlers Museum board." Ms Barker’s letter last month pointed to "extremely disrespectful behaviour" by Cr Ong to her and his refusal to remove disparaging comments online about chief executive Sandy Graham. Asked about the code breach and her previous communication with Cr Ong, the mayor said they were separate matters — she would be following up on her letter.

Source: Otago Daily Times March 13, 2026 21:09 UTC