Dunedin councillors celebrate sister city

Dunedin city councillors Bill Acklin and Andrew Noone were dubbed "the lighthouse" and "Richard Gere" on their recent trip to Japan, but it appears the "strange behaviour" did not stop there.

The pair were part of a 22-strong Dunedin delegation led by Mayor Peter Chin that travelled to Otaru, Japan, from July 23 to 25.

The trip marked the 30th anniversary of the two cities' sister city agreement, and coincided with the Ushio Matsuri summer festival in Otaru.

At yesterday's Dunedin City Council economic development committee meeting, both councillors praised the trip's economic and cultural benefits - which included a long list of civic functions.

However, it appeared neither councillor was as willing to sing the praises of other aspects of the trip - including karaoke nights and parading through Otaru's streets in traditional costumes, watched by 50,000 people.

That was despite Cr Fliss Butcher asking at yesterday's meeting for an explanation of "strange behaviour" involving the council delegation.

Committee chairman Cr John Bezett was quick to jump in, saying he did not understand the question and did not think anybody could answer it.

That did not seem to stop Cr Acklin - a well-known singer - who cryptically insisted: "Individuals behave in the way individuals behave."

Cr Noone also tried to side-step the question, adding only: "There was some networking done on a formal and informal basis."

Neither councillor would add to their explanations at yesterday's meeting, but members of the delegation were more talkative when first spoken to about the trip by the Otago Daily Times last month.

A source confirmed Cr Noone's looks had earned him the nickname "Richard Gere" among his Japanese hosts, while Cr Acklin - easily the tallest member of the group - was dubbed "the lighthouse".

Cr Acklin was also happy to confirm he, Mr Chin and other members of the Dunedin group had "absolutely" enjoyed the karaoke evenings.

Otago Chamber of Commerce chief executive John Christie said Cr Acklin and Mr Chin were "by far" the best singers, while Otago Museum development and planning director Clare Wilson described her own voice as "enthusiastic".

The Dunedin delegation was also among 100 community groups to wear traditional clothing and dance through the city while taking part in the 4km Ushio Matsuri parade.

The details did not form part of yesterday's report to the committee and Cr Bezett attempted to spare any blushes by ruling he did not think "pure speculation" about other elements of the trip was appropriate.

Flights and accommodation for Mr Chin and Crs Acklin and Noone cost the council $12,700, but costs for two council staff were not available yesterday.

chris.morris@odt.co.nz