Barry Williams told the Strath Taieri Community Board and a public gallery of about 30 people in Hyde yesterday he had apologised personally to his victim of a racial slur, and he then apologised to the board and to Middlemarch.
The community board noted the chairman’s apology.
Mr Williams was censured by the Dunedin City Council last month after he called a woman a "stupid black b...." when she mixed up his food order at a pub.
An investigator found he materially breached the code of conduct and the council asked him to consider resigning as board chairman.
Yesterday’s board meeting was chaired by Cr Bill Acklin, and Mr Williams read out a statement.
"I’m sorry for the impact my behaviour has had on the person involved.
"I’m deeply sorry for what I said, and I’m sorry that my actions have caused embarrassment to the community."
Mr Williams said he had talked with family and friends and decided not to resign.
He did not say why he should continue in the role of board chairman.
"I hope that we can all move on from now and the board will get back on to working for the community," Mr Williams said.
Deputy chairwoman Anna Wilson said the board was disappointed by the comments that had led to the censure of Mr Williams.
"We strongly believe that there is no place for racism or sexism in our community, or anywhere else for that matter," she said.
The board endorsed the statement from Ms Wilson.
"As a board, we are intent on ensuring we move on from this experience in a positive and inclusive manner," she said.
Board members listened to two searing speeches during a public forum at the meeting, from Middlemarch residents Andrea Bosshard and Shane Loader.
Ms Bosshard decried bullying, racism and misogyny, and said some people who did not condone such behaviour were "fearful of speaking up, of being ostracised, of being targets of rumour-mongering and vandalism".
"The real irony of the situation is a pervasive belief among some that the chair is somehow a victim because people have been justifiably angry and spoken up about his behaviour — and that attitude is abhorrent.
"The victim is the woman who has left town," she said.
Mr Loader said the area had now become a symbol of the racist underbelly of New Zealand.
"It's going to be hard to shake off that reputation."
The board chairman was apparently unaware of responsibilities that came with leadership, Mr Loader said.
Middlemarch resident Norma Emerson said in a statement board members needed to "represent the entire community and not form protective walls around those who shame this community".
"It’s delusional ignorance to think that because Mr Williams made the comment ‘outside of board duties’ it was somehow less serious."
Mrs Emerson said Mr Williams had done good things for the town and she had on occasion been on the receiving end of his generosity.
"Unfortunately, that does not make up for what happened in the pub that night.
"That type of offensive behaviour is inexcusable and should never be tolerated."
