Dunedin city councillor Benedict Ong has nominated himself to become a director on the board of media company NZME, as the council prepares to consider sanctioning him for breaching its code of conduct.

The Dunedin City Council will consider sanctioning the first-term councillor today following an independent investigation that found he seriously breached the council's code of conduct by publicly criticising a staff member. The investigation also found Ong may have acted in retaliation against a witness in the case.

If sanctioned, Ong could face a range of penalties including a vote of no confidence, demands for a public apology, or an invitation to resign. Mayor Sophie Barker will also seek council approval to remove him from two external representative roles, which would cut his remuneration from just under $100,000 to $84,500.

Investigation findings

Independent investigator Steph Dyhrberg, an experienced employment law barrister, found Ong tried to discredit a witness who participated in a code of conduct process. "I find it more likely than not that Cr Ong acted in retaliation," Dyhrberg stated in her report.

The investigator emphasised the seriousness of the breach, noting that "no-one should be victimised or discredited for agreeing to participate in a code of conduct complaint process."

Ong refused to cooperate with the investigation, telling Dyhrberg: "I do not intend to respond to your questioning and I do not believe there are any grounds for any form of investigation."

The councillor's original complaint against fellow councillor John Chambers was dismissed as lacking substance.

NZME board ambitions

I do not intend to respond to your questioning and I do not believe there are any grounds for any form of investigation.

Despite facing potential sanctions, Ong has put himself forward to join the board of NZME, which owns the New Zealand Herald, Newstalk ZB and other major media outlets reaching 3.6 million New Zealanders.

Ong said he was pleased to allocate his time to "serve our community in other great, board ways" such as with NZME. His nomination comes as the media company faces a board challenge from Canadian billionaire Jim Grenon, who has acquired a 9.3% stake worth approximately $9 million and seeks to replace the current board.

Escalating tensions

The councillor's conduct has become increasingly contentious in recent months. In February, Ong was escorted from a council meeting with tape over his mouth after having his informal meeting privileges revoked. Mayor Barker described his behaviour as "extremely disrespectful."

Staff safety concerns have led to Ong having restricted access to parts of the Civic Centre. Fellow councillor Andrew Simms expressed the frustration felt by many, saying: "Everyone's had enough, to be honest. It's getting worse."

Ong has stated he has no intention of resigning from council, declaring: "I know in my heart and I know in my veins I am Right and I work relentlessly every moment every day for our Great City."

The councillor was previously stripped of his role as deputy lead of the council's technology portfolio amid the ongoing conduct issues.

Electoral background

Ong was elected to Dunedin City Council in October 2025 after a high-profile grassroots campaign focused on economic development. A former international banker who was born in Dunedin but raised in Sydney, he returned to New Zealand in mid-2025.

He spent $44,098.72 on his election campaigns, the second-highest spend of all candidates. In the council election, he placed 12th of 14 successful candidates with 2,596 votes. He also ran unsuccessfully for mayor, coming eighth with 1,248 votes compared to winner Sophie Barker's 16,874 votes.

Mayor Barker, only the second female mayor in Dunedin's history, grew up at the city's iconic Larnach Castle and has a background in tourism, heritage and economic development. She defeated incumbent Jules Radich in the October 2025 election.

Possible sanctions the council could impose today include a letter of censure, demand for public apology, vote of no confidence, or invitation to resign.