Invercargill deputy mayor Grant Dermody faces potential disciplinary action after being found to have called a council staff member a ‘‘f...... d... . But Cr Dermody disagreed with that version of events, explaining he said ‘‘that’s ridiculous’’ in an aggressive tone to someone at a nearby table. Asked if it was ‘‘you f...... d...’’, Cr Bond confirmed it was, the staffer said. Following the presentation, Cr Bond said she joined a conversation between Cr Ludlow and the affected party where he said: ‘‘Apparently I have a new name. Cr Ludlow was confident he had heard an ‘‘f-bomb’’, but was not certain if it was ‘‘f...wit’’ or ‘‘f...... d...’’, evidence showed.

Source: Otago Daily Times March 30, 2026 16:40 UTC