Former city council candidate Michael Lee started his speech during the public-forum component of a meeting by accusing councillors of ruining the city and by the end of it had delved into conspiracy and race and made other inflammatory statements.
Infrastructure services committee chairman Cr Jim O’Malley said a standard of behaviour was required, but Mr Lee talked over the top of him.
The meeting was adjourned and councillors left the room while they waited for Mr Lee and supporters to leave.
Yesterday’s incident followed disruption at a workshop in Portobello late last month.
Cr O’Malley said after yesterday’s meeting the council was extremely disappointed by the behaviour in the public forum.
"Councillors are there to listen and we welcome people presenting a wide range of views, but we expect that people who present at public forum extend the same respect to the councillors that is extended to them," he said.
Mr Lee’s presentation was "as ill-informed as it was offensive, and we reject the speaker’s views unequivocally".
Council staff would review the incident and make any changes, including to security, as required.
Dunedin Mayor Jules Radich said such conduct was disrespectful and would not be tolerated at council meetings.
Cr Christine Garey said the behaviour was appalling and highly offensive.
Among Mr Lee’s commentary was a reference to concentration camps. Cr Steve Walker said several other statements were also enough for him to leave the chamber.
Cr Walker said people could bring matters to the attention of the council, but public forums were not a space where people had the right to "disseminate misinformation, disinformation and offensive references".
Deputy mayor Sophie Barker said it was unacceptable to compare the council’s roads system with concentration camps.
The presentation turned into "an unacceptable rant and was a disgrace".
