Ong turns up to crunch meeting with bandages on face

The coverings on Dunedin city councillor Benedict Ong's face at a council meeting today are not for any medical issue, he says.

They were to "cover up a display of red", he said.

Asked if it was a publicity stunt, Cr Ong said "it could be".

The Dunedin City Council is discussing long-term adaptation options for South Dunedin to mitigate flood risk.

Since being elected, the controversial councillor has repeatedly captured headlines for his bizarre stunts and sharing of confidential information.

It is not the first time Cr Ong has stuck something to his face.

In February he was escorted from council meeting with tape over his mouth after having privileges revoked.

Councillors had been attending a meeting when Cr Benedict Ong was handed a letter by Dunedin Mayor Sophie Barker.

In it, Ms Barker said Cr Ong had been extremely disrespectful to her and he had refused to remove disparaging comments online about the Dunedin City Council's chief executive Sandy Graham.

He was barred from meetings such as those with MPs and informal meetings with council partners.

"I am withdrawing informal meeting privileges and the portfolio role until such time as I am convinced of your commitment to adhere to the code of conduct," Ms Barker's letter said.

Cr Ong said he was escorted out of the meeting by Crs John Chambers, Doug Hall, Mickey Treadwell and Andrew Simms.

The mayor's instruction to that effect was "highly unnecessary, as I left the meeting room gladly on my own accord and without debate, being able to enjoy the most special weather in our most special city", he said. 

Cr Hall said the 10am meeting was with MPs to discuss issues around Dunedin.

"In a surprising turn, Cr Benedict Ong entered the room with his mouth taped shut," Cr Hall said.

In May Cr Ong was suspended from further council roles after councillors decided he had breached the Dunedin City Council’s code of conduct.