Dunedin City councillors Marie Laufiso, Steve Walker and Christine Garey criticised Cr Simms over a meeting he organised to discuss wastewater overflows with residents last week.
They said the meeting, which only a select group of councillors were invited to, was inappropriate and "electioneering".
Cr Simms roundly rejected their comments, describing the criticism as "abhorrent", "bizarre" and suggestions of electioneering as "patently ridiculous".
"We’re still in 2025," Cr Simms said.
Yesterday, Cr Laufiso said organising the meeting was a "totally inappropriate action" and had she been invited, she would have declined.
"Rather than electioneering for 2028, thereby undermining staff and the mayor, perhaps Cr Simms might expend his energy on intensively learning what the job of a territorial authority governor actually entails."
"Their energy would be better spent on learning the job they’ve been elected to do now."
On Friday, Cr Simms told the Otago Daily Times the council’s response to overflows in South Dunedin was a "disgrace" and it owed residents an apology.
Sewage, and occasionally toilet paper and sanitary products, spill into Surrey St when wastewater systems are overloaded.
Cr Garey said she acknowledged the stress residents faced during heavy rainfall.
"I also know our staff are doing all they can and using all of their extensive expertise to address the flooding issues in the short, medium and long term."
Cr Walker said the meeting undermined work by staff to address infrastructure neglect and climate change impact.
A city-wide suite of problems, including Surrey St, had to be addressed in co-ordination, he said.
"I, like my fellow elected members, am not a water engineer [or] expert so am guided by the dedicated and professional team that progress a large number of projects, both immediate and longer term."
All three councillors made reference to Cr Simms missing induction events for new and returning councillors; Cr Garey suggested those were better use of his time.
Cr Simms yesterday stood by his actions and said his intention was not to undermine staff; rather, the meeting was an opportunity for new councillors to meet residents and understand their anxiety.
"With a number of other new councillors, [we were] following through on promises made to the people of South Dunedin at the 2025 election."
Returning councillors Jules Radich and Lee Vandervis were there to provide background.
Cr Simms said he resented and rejected suggestions of poor attendance during induction.
"I find it hypocritical that some of those councillors that are levelling that didn’t bother to come to the Three Waters update [on Tuesday]."
Meeting notes would be shared with all councillors after an upcoming discussions with Three Waters staff, he said.
"I still hold to the fact that depositing raw sewage into the streets of Dunedin is completely unacceptable and that we are not yet doing everything that we could do to stop that happening."
On Friday, Mayor Sophie Barker said she was fully informed of the meeting and though she was unable to attend, was debriefed by Cr Radich.
