Slur led to call to resign

Verbally abusing a woman at a Middlemarch pub led first to an investigation into the conduct of Barry Williams, then a censure and a call for him to consider resigning as Strath Taieri Community Board chairman.

On September 14, he addressed the board.

"I acknowledge that my behaviour that was subject to the code of conduct investigation fell well short of what is expected from an elected representative and I accept the censure I received from the Dunedin City Council," he said.

"I’m sorry for the impact my behaviour has had on the person involved.

"I’m deeply sorry for what I said, and I’m sorry that my actions have caused embarrassment to the community."

Mr Williams then said he had talked to family and friends and decided not to resign.

By then, the council, community and the board well knew what the incident had been — Mr Williams had called a woman a "stupid black b...." when she mixed up his food order.

The council took a dim view, asked Mr Williams to consider his position and Dunedin Mayor Jules Radich said in the letter of censure issued in August apologising was the least the board chairman could do.

Board deputy chairwoman Anna Wilson said at the September meeting the board strongly believed there was "no place for racism or sexism in our community".

She added: "As a board, we are intent on ensuring we move on from this experience in a positive and inclusive manner."