Cr Ong was allowed up to 30 minutes to present a defence. Photo: Gerard O'BrienSpeaking to media afterwards, Cr Ong said he had not considered resigning. Asked about people on his Facebook page calling for his resignation, Cr Ong said they were a small minority of the community. Calls for Cr Ong to resign have come while a by-election is being held to replace Cr Jules Radich, who died in January. They related to Cr Ong refusing to remove disparaging commentary online about Ms Graham and disrespectful behaviour towards Ms Barker.

Source: Otago Daily Times March 25, 2026 15:35 UTC