New deputy mayor Cherry Lucas took over this week from Cr Sophie Barker, who resigned from the role on Monday a few days after filing a complaint about the conduct of Dunedin Mayor Jules Radich relating to comments he made on radio.
The situation led to Cr Carmen Houlahan sending a series of messages to Cr Barker and this is set to result in scrutiny of Cr Houlahan’s conduct.
Cr Jim O’Malley, who also complained about the mayor’s conduct, said the code existed to ensure adherence to good process.
"We are actually quite functional," he said.
Crs Brent Weatherall and Bill Acklin said the council was not off track.
Cr Andrew Whiley said councillors were all working hard to deliver the best outcomes for residents.
The complaint against the mayor came after he minimised racial abuse by Strath Taieri Community Board chairman Barry Williams and possibly breached confidentiality from a meeting.
Cr Houlahan released a statement yesterday concerning her own behaviour.
"I am sorry for any misunderstanding and am comfortable with the investigation process releasing my communication I had with Cr Barker, as I believe it will show there was no malice or ill-intent," she said.
"I respect the formal process that is now under way and as such am unable to make any further comments at this time."
Cr Houlahan earlier sought to clarify a comment she had made about free speech was about Cr Barker having the right to express her opinion.
They had differed over possible motivations behind the complaint against the mayor.
Cr Acklin said the council had in the main been cohesive.
"I credit this to the way the mayor has encouraged total inclusiveness, and welcomed extensive debate on all issues," he said.
"Unfortunately, there are a number of elected members that still can't accept that the community decided to change the mayor at the last election."
Cr Weatherall said the council had been cohesive to date, "excluding the minority of councillors who were passionate supporters of our previous losing mayor".
Not everyone agreed.
Cr David Benson-Pope yesterday said the committee structure was dysfunctional.
Cr Steve Walker said there should be better recognition of the wide-ranging talent available to the mayor.
Cr Walker said Cr Barker had been an excellent deputy mayor.
"That said, I would have resigned for the same principled reasons."
