The volunteer driver of Dunedin’s campaigning ambulance has called out councillors for showing a lack of respect and laughing while he presented at a hearing.
Mike Waddell was making a submission on the Dunedin City Council’s 2025-34 long-term plan yesterday when he observed conduct from a few elected representatives that appalled him.
‘‘It’s a sad reflection when people are starting to laugh around the table,’’ he said.
‘‘Where is the respect?
‘‘I find that, actually, pretty appalling.’’
He made a submission about the proposed $92.4 million Smooth Hill landfill, questioning the council’s decision-making.
In answer to a question from Cr Carmen Houlahan about the sources of his information, Mr Waddell said he had talked to a range of people, including GHC Consulting director Dave Hanan, as well as the AB Lime firm.
‘‘It’s just a case of trying to do my homework and find out, and then for people to start actually sort of laughing, with body language like that, that’s not acceptable.’’
Cr Jim O’Malley asked if Mr Waddell understood the people he talked to had ‘‘a fiduciary interest in making the contract go to them’’.
Answering a question from Mr Waddell, Cr O’Malley said ‘‘yes, it has been out to tender’’ and AB Lime in Winton had been talked to.
Dunedin Mayor Jules Radich highlighted councillors were not supposed to enter into debates with submitters.
‘‘The point of hearing these submissions is not to have a debate here,’’ he said.
The discussion was among a series of incidents at the hearing yesterday.
Soon after the day began, three councillors walked out ahead of a presentation by Strath Taieri Community Board chairman Barry Williams, who was censured in 2023 for a racist slur.
The councillors were Steve Walker, Marie Laufiso and Christine Garey, and they returned to the table after Mr Williams had finished.
Cr Walker said he left the hearing because he had zero tolerance for racism.
‘‘Given Mr Williams’ racist outburst toward a local pub worker a couple of years ago, I could not in good conscience remain in the same room and listen to him,’’ Cr Walker said.
Mr Williams said afterwards councillors going back and forth was ‘‘bloody ridiculous’’.
In 2023, the council invited Mr Williams to consider resigning as board chairman.
He apologised to his victim, and to the public, but did not resign.
Later in the morning session, Cr Walker was ejected from the hearing after he did not accept a ruling from Mr Radich.
Cr Walker had challenged an assertion by Cr Lee Vandervis cycleway use had not increased in the past four years, saying data Cr Vandervis relied on had been debunked and staff had explained it.
‘‘I won’t withdraw a remark that is factually correct,’’ Cr Walker said.
Mr Radich said this was arguable.
Cr Walker was then asked to leave.
He returned to the table after the lunch break.
A submission by Robyn Vintiner prompted a series of points of order from councillors relating to disrespect of council staff.
The mayor cautioned Ms Vintiner about repeatedly casting aspersions.
