The staff member involved told Mr Benham the exchange with Cr Vandervis amounted to ‘‘an uncalled-for verbal attack’’. She maintained Cr Vandervis was trying to get a parking ticket waived — a claim Cr Vandervis disputed — as the exchange escalated. Mr Benham also reviewed CCTV footage, which had no sound but clearly showed ‘‘gesticulating and finger-pointing’’ by Cr Vandervis. Cr Vandervis could attend and make a statement in his defence, but would then be able only to observe proceedings. Alternatively, Cr Vandervis could be asked to take actions — such as an apology — which avoided the need for sanctions.

Source: Otago Daily Times December 06, 2019 02:48 UTC