At a full meeting of the council yesterday, Cr Fliss Butcher said the visit to Dunedin's sister city was a great opportunity to sell Dunedin's attractions, like its cycle trails, and fellow councillor Kate Wilson was the woman for the job.
Otaru Mayor Katsumaro Yamada invited an official delegation from Dunedin for the Ushio Matsuri, or summer festival, a report to the council said.
The first visit since 2005 would involve representatives from the tourism, arts, culture and sporting communities.
Mr Chin told the meeting there was usually one visit during a council's three-year term, and next year would be the 30th anniversary of the cities' relationship.
Cr Butcher called for Cr Wilson to go on the trip because of her work with the Otago Central Rail Trail.
Cr Teresa Stevenson questioned the cost when the council was already spending a lot.
She was told the only cost to council for Cr Wilson would be the airfare of about $2000.
Cr Michael Guest said the move was "bordering on quite wrong", as the council was making decisions "on the hoof"', without investigating the idea.
Cr Neil Collins said the council was missing the fact Otaru made the invitation.
"If they ask for the mayor to be present, it's the mayor they want there."
Cr Wilson said she had concerns about the process, as she was not aware of what was on the agenda for the visit, and Cr Dave Cull said council did not have enough information to make a decision on whether an extra councillor on the trip was a good idea.
The meeting voted 8-6 to send an extra councillor, and further debate on who that would be was adjourned to a June 2 meeting, when more information would be made available.
