The Dunedin City Council has decided to stop commenting on Councillor Benedict Ong, citing 'appalling behaviour' that has made further engagement untenable. The decision was reported by the Otago Daily Times on May 14, 2026, after the newspaper sought responses from Mayor Sophie Barker and the council regarding recent remarks by Ong.
Mayor Barker confirmed the council's stance, stating that Ong's conduct had crossed a line, leading to the withdrawal of official commentary. Specific details of the behavior were not disclosed in the initial report, but the council emphasized that the move was necessary to maintain professional standards.
This development follows a series of controversies involving Ong, who has been a polarizing figure in local politics. The council's decision marks a significant escalation in the ongoing tensions, with implications for public discourse and governance in Dunedin.
