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A Dunedin business owner says he is prepared to pay to change the Octagon Christmas tree banner.
The tree was installed last week with a ''Happy Holidays'' banner wrapped around it, which has since sparked public debate.
Hard to Find Bookshop owner Warwick Jordan said yesterday he wanted to change it to a traditional ''Merry Christmas'' greeting as it was a ''Christmas tree, not a holiday tree''.
Christmas was a time for the community to come together in celebration and Mr Jordan said the sign was not inclusive.
''Christmas is part of being a New Zealander; let us be proud of our Christmas and celebrate it all together,'' he said.
Mr Jordan had contacted Mayor Dave Cull's office yesterday morning to offer to pay for the replacement banner.
Otago Daily Times' questions for Dunedin City Council staff yesterday were referred to community and culture committee chairman Cr Aaron Hawkins.
He said the council had ''received offers to pay for a replacement banner, but we won't be taking those up''.
Instead, Cr Hawkins said the level of abuse directed at council staff over the issue ''has been embarrassing''.
''I hope those who have engaged in this bullying behaviour have a long hard look at themselves.
''We do acknowledge that our celebrations need to be as inclusive and as reflective of our community as possible, values I've always considered to be core Christian values, and we'll look to make sure that happens next year.''
Cr Hawkins was unavailable when further comment was sought late yesterday afternoon.
-By Kayla Hodge