Gore councillor apologises for homophobic slur
by Gerrit Doppenberg · Otago Daily Times Online NewsGore District Council has agreed to accept an apology from councillor Donna Bruce over a homophobic comment she made at a workshop in April “and move on”.
Cr Bruce, speaking to council, called the code of conduct process that resulted from her comment "lengthy" and "difficult" and said she was disappointed it had led to this point.
"I am sorry if this has impacted on staff in a negative way. If any members of staff have been affected by this situation I am happy to speak with them directly and respectfully to move things forward."
She said the investigation had caused her significant personal stress, as well as costing the council time, money and energy.
"Although I accept code of conduct complaints have an important place, I struggle to see how the time, cost, and public attention devoted to this matter are proportionate to the findings that it was neither significant nor serious," she said.
Cr Bruce then suggested becoming early adopters of the new LGNZ standardised code of conduct to settle potential future matters in house.
Cr Bruce had previously rejected a recommended mediation process around the issue.
A report by investigator James Cowan of Anderson Lloyd, tabled at yesterday’s council meeting, had found a code of conduct breach had been made and recommended Cr Bruce apologise.
Cr Bruce told the meeting the report’s findings were clear — “the matter was found to be not bullying, not harassment, not significant and not serious".
She again said she did not recall making the comment and apologised if any member of staff was affected, referencing a separate code of conduct complaint which said her conduct was polite and respectful with staff.
Cr Mel Cupit described the issue as a “storm in a teacup” and it was time to consider the matter closed.
She also asked how much the investigation had cost the council.
No invoices have been received by the council as yet.
Cr Nicky Coats said the apology was brave, and suggested the invoices be brought forward to the council in the future which was supported by Cr Stewart MacDonell.
Cr Andy Fraser thanked Cr Bruce for her apology but said this was "the only way around we could do this" and he, along with the other five councillors to file code of conduct complaints were "personally attacked by members of public and online”.
Cr Fraser said they "remained stoic in what they believe" and although they could move along and get around the table, "we also have to listen when we're around that table".
Cr Robert McKenzie, one of the councillors who made the initial complaint against Cr Bruce, said before yesterday’s meeting he would not comment on potential solutions for the issues between the two but hoped it was a “speed bump in the system”.
However, he said he was still looking for an apology.
“There have been some things said about me in the media that are untrue and I think I deserve an apology for that,” he said.
Cr McKenzie said he was “really looking forward to working with this council” at the start of the term and when asked if this had changed, answered “yes”.
He also spoke about the social media pushback he had received over the past few weeks.
“Facebook warriors need to understand comments they make can be very hurtful to others, especially when those things are untrue,” he said.
Cr McKenzie was not at yesterday’s meeting due to booked leave.
On Monday, Gore District Mayor Ben Bell said he put the incident down to growing pains for the new council.
“I think compared to last term, I wouldn’t say this is rocky at all.
“I think it takes any council a little bit to get acclimatised to the different personalities around the table.
“At the end of the day, we have rules, we have standing orders and we have code of conduct and councillors have signed off on those.
“It’s a part of the requirements, they have to stick to those rules,” he said.