Derogatory remarks about Oamaru Rotarians have been removed by Waitaki Mayoral and council candidate Fliss Butcher from her Twitter site.
The Otago Daily Times reported yesterday Mrs Butcher calling Oamaru Rotarians ''rednecks'' and quoting her husband saying they were ''like a meeting of the clan [sic]'' on her ''Vote for Fliss'' Twitter site.
By midday yesterday, both those references had been removed.
Her comments about a ''horrible meeting'' at which ''oamru [sic] Rotarians discriminated'' against her and taking action through the Race Relations Council remained.
Those comments have attracted strong criticism on the ODT online website.
Mrs Butcher requested extra time after the start of the Rotary Club of Waitaki public meeting a week ago and after some other Oamaru and Corriedale ward candidates had delivered their one-minute introduction, despite having three opportunities before the meeting to ask for it.
The club said all candidates were made aware of the rules for the forum when they were contacted by phone, in an email and before the meeting started.
Adjudicator of the meeting John Walker was passed a note by Mrs Butcher requesting extra time so she could deliver a mihi (greeting or welcome).
After considering the request, Mr Walker wrote a note back saying Mrs Butcher could use her minute as she wished.
That was because he wanted to ensure all candidates were treated equally, particularly those who had already used their minute.
