His comments came after two online petitions began circulating on Sunday - one welcoming any prospect of more refugees coming to the city, and another opposing the move.
The anti-refugee petition called on Prime Minister John Key not to establish a refugee resettlement centre in Dunedin.
The petition, which claimed to represent Dunedin residents, was launched by Benjamin Olsen, of Christchurch.
It had attracted nearly 200 signatures by late yesterday, as well as a stream of racist comments from inside Dunedin and as far away as Australia, South Africa, the United States, United Kingdom and Sweden.
Mr Cull, contacted in China, told the Otago Daily Times the views of ''international racists'' did not represent Dunedin.
''It seems odd that a petition that's set up, that's called Dunedin locals, is largely peopled by international racists.
''These people are not from our town. Presumably, they don't have an interest in our city, our community.
''Their opinions are theirs. I don't have any time for it anyway, wherever it comes from.''
Mr Olsen did not respond to a request for comment yesterday.
A second petition, calling on the Government to establish a refugee centre in Dunedin, was also launched on Sunday and had so far attracted just 53 signatures.
Dunedin student Ryan Jones, who started the positive petition, said he wanted to encourage the Government to bring the refugees, their skills and culture to the city.
''They have been through a lot and they have a lot to give.''
He was aware of the rival petition, but did not want to discuss it, saying only, ''It's disheartening to see people do think that way.''
Mr Jones' petition came after Mr Cull last week called on the Government to consider establishing a refugee resettlement centre in the city.
That followed the Government's decision to accept 600 more Syrian refugees over the next three years, on top of New Zealand's refugee quota, in response to mounting international concern at their plight.
Immigration Minister Michael Woodhouse said in response Immigration New Zealand was still considering where to send the extra Syrian refugees once they left the Mangere Refugee Resettlement Centre.
That was where ''the city could potentially provide support'', he said.
An Immigration NZ spokeswoman, contacted yesterday, would only say planning for the extra Syrian refugees remained ''in the early stages''.
No decisions had been made, and she could give no likely timeframe.
''Assessing potential resettlement locations is being undertaken with some priority.
''As part of that assessment we will look at employment opportunities, housing and support from agencies and the local community.
''We will also engage with local mayors and councils before making a final decision.''
