After days of criticism, complaints and an apology, Mr Cull yesterday confirmed Cr Jinty MacTavish will welcome the Dalai Lama to Dunedin on behalf of the city next month.
The welcome will take place when Cr MacTavish introduces the Dalai Lama at the beginning of his public talk in the Dunedin Town Hall on June 11.
The move was confirmed in a joint announcement released by Mr Cull and Dalai Lama Visit Trust New Zealand chairman Thuten Kesang.
''It is important the city's welcome recognises the affection and respect with which the Dalai Lama as a spiritual leader is regarded in our community,'' Mr Cull said.
Mr Kesang welcomed the ''wonderful gesture'', while Cr MacTavish told the Otago Daily Times she felt ''privileged'' to perform the role.
''I'm really pleased. I think it's super that he [the Dalai Lama] will be recognised appropriately and I feel privileged to be the person to do it.''
The about-face came after Mr Cull on Monday confirmed he had declined an invitation to introduce the Dalai Lama at the talk, citing a prior engagement in Wellington, and said there were no plans for a civic reception.
Mr Cull denied being influenced by concerns about perceptions of the visit in China, but his description of the Dalai Lama as ''a representative of a minority religious faith'' triggered complaints and protests this week.
His comments prompted Cr MacTavish to break ranks on Tuesday, when she informed Mr Cull she had offered to introduce the Dalai Lama at the beginning of his talk.
Mr Cull later issued a public apology on Thursday for his ''dismissive and unnecessary slight'' against the Dalai Lama.
