Mayor Jules Radich defended his letter and was supported yesterday by some around the council table.
Councillors narrowly passed a motion at last month’s community services committee meeting to support Green Party co-leader Chloe Swarbrick’s Unlawful Occupation of Palestine Sanctions Bill.
Chairwoman Marie Laufiso’s casting vote was required to break a 7-7 tie and pass the motion.
Mr Radich, who voted against it, was directed to write to Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters asking government MPs to back the Bill.
Cr Christine Garey brought the motion to the meeting.
Yesterday, she said she was "outraged" by the letter Mr Radich wrote.
In it, he detailed the vote’s outcome and how councillors had voted — "absolutely not the norm", Cr Garey said.
"To put all that detail in was outrageous. It just undermines the whole idea."
In the letter, Mr Radich said the situation in the Middle East was of great concern to many Dunedin residents.
"There are also many who do not think that international relations are the business of local government," he wrote.
Cr Garey said the mayor’s role meant ensuring council decisions were carried out.
"His job, in this case, was to write a letter — it’s not that difficult.
"He is not fit to be mayor if he: A, cannot understand that and B, if he can’t do that job."
Mr Radich said his letter responded to the council’s wishes and was "in accordance" with its resolution.
"The plight of the Palestinian people is of great concern to many in Dunedin — myself included and I voiced that in the meeting."
The letter included the view of "half the council" and "many of the community" that it was not the business of a local authority to intervene in national politics or international relations.
"Is it appropriate for council to be requesting leaders of the government to ask their own MPs to support a minor opposition party’s Bill?" he asked.
"Having said that, I respect the democratic process and the will of council."
Cr Mandy Mayhem said Mr Radich’s letter was "disappointing and embarrassing" and Cr Steve Walker said the letter spoke volumes about the "infantile, petulant and self-serving attitude of someone unfit to lead our city".
It was an "insult" to the council, the Dunedin Palestinian community and residents who supported the motion, Cr David Benson-Pope said.
"The letter is completely inappropriate but sadly yet another example of the author’s failure to understand the role of the mayoralty."
Cr Carmen Houlahan said it was clear Mr Radich was "not keen" on the outcome.
Cr Bill Acklin said the mayor had explained the motion was passed on a casting vote, which was appropriate when councillors were "forced to take a side".
Cr Andrew Whiley said the letter was factual and covered the resolution.
The Otago Daily Times has seen two emails sent to Mr Radich yesterday, from residents critical of him and the letter.
In reply, Cr Lee Vandervis said the disapproval was "virtue signalling".
