Mr Cull was forced to make a hasty apology moments after his angry outburst, which was triggered by criticism of his dual role as Local Government New Zealand president.
Port Chalmers resident Stu Debenham had turned up to speak about "health and safety" at the meeting's public forum, but instead launched a personal attack on Mr Cull's overseas and domestic travel.
When he continued, suggesting Dunedin had a three-day-a-week mayor, a frustrated Mr Cull warned him not to personalise his comments.
But, as Mr Debenham persisted and Cr Kate Wilson attempted to interject with a point of order, Mr Cull had clearly had enough.
He tried again to halt Mr Debenham to take Cr Wilson's point of order, but failed, and then snapped.
"Mr Debenham, are you deaf or just stupid?" Mr Cull said, drawing loud gasps from the public gallery and others in the room.
It stopped Mr Debenham in his tracks, temporarily, but then he continued - urging the council to suspend Mr Cull's travel until rates came down, and suggesting Mr Cull should apologise to ratepayers and consider resigning.
Mr Cull interjected again, firstly to say he wanted to "apologise for implying you were stupid" and then ordering Mr Debenham to end his "repetitious, disrespectful and offensive" presentation and leave.
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Comments
In the kerfuffle and hubbub Mayor Dave Cull's question wasn't answered. I hate it when things are left in the air.
This submitter was clearly out of line as was a previous submitter who talked on criminal behaviour of the council.
Often when people in authority berate and belittle opponents and detractors it is down to a couple of simple reasons. Either the detractor is stating the truth or the person in authority is incapable of doing their job properly. so they can't handle criticism. Dunedin ratepayers should be able to see the truth for themselves.
No questions Cull needs to stand down,