Cr Benedict Ong claimed at a Dunedin City Council meeting this week a hotel had ‘‘now been officially announced’’ for Dunedin’s Forsyth Barr Stadium precinct — he then struggled to understand he was required to withdraw the comment, as it had been ruled to be incorrect.
Councillors are not permitted to debate meeting rulings, but Cr Ong attempted to discuss the ruling by deputy mayor Cherry Lucas, before council chief executive Sandy Graham intervened.
An adjournment was called and, after a discussion with Ms Graham, Cr Ong withdrew his comment.
Amid the exchanges, Dunedin Mayor Sophie Barker, who called the point of order, said a hotel had not been confirmed.
References by Cr Ong at Thursday’s meeting to a stadium hotel came in the same week he angered colleagues by breaching confidentiality about the project.
Cr Andrew Simms said on Wednesday Cr Ong’s disclosure of the Russell Property Group’s involvement ‘‘may have jeopardised $50 million of external investment in vital visitor accommodation for Dunedin’’.
Dunedin City Holdings chairman Tim Loan said in an email to Ms Graham on Tuesday the release of confidential information ‘‘created external noise and required immediate engagement with the parties concerned’’.
After efforts had to be made to shore up the project, Cr Ong initially presented its progress as certain. He clarified it was a proposal.
A stadium hotel concept was first presented to the Otago Daily Times in 2021.
Dunedin Venues said this week the Russell Property Group had been engaged to further develop concept options and undertake a viability assessment.
Cr Ong mentioned the project during a discussion at the council about New Year’s Eve fireworks.
Asked to withdraw his comment, Cr Ong asked: ‘‘What if I don’t?’’
‘‘Then you’ll be asked to leave the meeting,’’ the mayor said.
It was not the only time at the meeting Cr Ong struggled with procedure.
He tried to give himself a right of reply after speeches about the proposed sale of the former Fortune Theatre — but he was not the mover of the resolution.
‘‘I think you’re a little confused,’’ Ms Barker said.
