Dunedin councillors defend Mayor Dave Cull's 'deaf or stupid' comment, saying he was provoked

Dunedin Mayor Dave Cull has apologised and says he regrets 'that I let frustration get the better of me'. Photo / ODT

Dunedin city councillors are defending their leader after Mayor Dave Cull interrupted an abusive ratepayer's tirade to ask if he was "deaf or just stupid".

Cull was trying to halt personal criticism of his performance as mayor by Port Chalmers resident Stu Debenhamat the meeting's public forum, but Debenham refused to be silenced, prompting the comment from Cull, which drew gasps from the audience.

Cull yesterday reiterated his earlier apology at the meeting and said he regretted letting "frustration get the better of me".

"As someone with hearing difficulties myself, I particularly regret any offence caused to people with hearing impairments."

The council's code of conduct required Cull and councillors to "treat members of the public in a courteous manner".

Council staff said late yesterday no complaint alleging a breach of the code had been received.

However, councillors said none was justified as Cull had been provoked.

Councillor David Benson-Pope said Debenham's presentation had been "extraordinarily inappropriate" and it was "most unfortunate the mayor was put in the position he was".

"I don't condone the comment he made, but he did apologise for that."

Councillor Mike Lord also was "not that concerned" by the mayor's comments, adding he might have done the same.

"I believe the title of the mayor is worthy of respect," he said.

Councillor Rachel Elder said Cull appeared to have caught "a bit of foot-in-mouth disease", but clearly regretted his actions.

The council wanted public participation, and "grizzles" were part of the process, but respectful behaviour was needed on both sides.

Councillor Christine Garey said "extreme provocation" by Debenham put Cull in a "totally impossible position".

Cull was right to apologise, but "it's just not okay for members of the public to come into that situation and have a crack", Garey said.

Councillor Doug Hall agreed, saying Debenham was "totally out of order".