Revealing information from a private presentation by Dunedin Venues, including in relation to a possible hotel development beside Forsyth Barr Stadium, crossed a line, Cr Andrew Simms said.
‘‘I think that takes it to a whole new level,’’ he said.
Cr Ong was already facing a code of conduct complaint regarding breaching confidentiality when he went further by leaking both a draft preliminary assessment of his conduct and more confidential content, such as the stadium hotel concept.
Cr Simms said his behaviour was affecting the governance of the city, as he could not be trusted with confidential information.
‘‘I think there’s a danger that people possibly don’t realise the damage this guy’s doing.’’
Cr Simms said Cr Ong was turning Dunedin into a national laughing stock and the cost of his ‘‘sinister release of confidential material might be incalculable’’.
‘‘Cr Ong is not a celebrity — he is a dangerous individual intent on harming our city and our community.’’
Cr Ong issued a response to media last night about his political journey.
He said he already had concerns about his safety, while noting Cr Simms was a ‘‘highly influential, prominent country-wide business owner’’.
Cr Ong said he made the right choice to move to Dunedin from overseas and stand for the city council.
‘‘This was something I dreamt about in my sleep before I returned and now, despite all that is taking place against me, I am fulfilling exactly as I dreamt of and contemplated on in doing back then.’’
Cr Ong claimed falsehoods and speculation about him, such as those on social media that he was a spy, were ‘‘evidently co-ordinated’’.
Cr Simms said he believed Cr Ong releasing details about Dunedin Venues was ‘‘a calculated action intended to do harm’’.
‘‘It is highly likely that confidential information attached to other important business is now being withheld from the elected councillors for fear of it being disclosed to the media by Cr Ong,’’ he said.
At least one exciting proposal had been delayed from going in front of the council while its backers decided how to negotiate their need for complete confidence, he said.
Investigator Steph Dyhrberg said in a draft preliminary assessment this week Cr Ong’s actions could be a serious breach of the standard of behaviour expected of elected representatives.
Cr Ong then leaked the report, which he had been asked to keep confidential.
Dunedin Mayor Sophie Barker said she had been working with council advisers on how best to manage confidentiality while balancing elected members’ access to information for decision-making.
