The 77-year-old Dalai Lama is the head of the Tibetan Government in exile in India and the spiritual leader of Tibet, which was invaded by China in 1949. Tibet's status under international law is disputed even by the United Nations, although it has adopted three resolutions on Tibet through the years and says human rights violations, acts of genocide and religious persecution have been carried out there.
The Dalai Lama was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1989 and travels the world promoting compassion, inter-religious harmony and the welfare of the Tibetan people. It is to be assumed those values will form some of the content of his talk in the Dunedin Town Hall, expected to attract up to 2000 people.
Mr Cull declined an invitation to introduce the Dalai Lama and says there are no plans to hold a civic reception for him. He denies China's views about interaction with the Dalai Lama swayed his thinking, saying he would not be in the city so the situation was ''hypothetical''.
However, his lack of clarity around the meeting that makes him unavailable and other comments - the Dalai Lama was ''a representative of a minority religious faith'' and ''I'm quite conscious of the Chinese sensitivity around anyone meeting the Dalai Lama or engaging with him'' - muddy the waters. Some claim he is being swayed by the economic powerhouse's position.
The situation is undoubtedly awkward. China is now the country's largest trading partner, with $2.3 billion of goods sold during the quarter to March. Dunedin has built a solid sister-city relationship with Shanghai. Business links have been established and further strengthened through a recently signed memo of understanding between the cities' chambers of commerce. And the Chinese tourism market is being actively targeted nationwide. The associated economic gains to the city and country are undeniable - and our friendship with China is valuable. But so too, surely, are our fundamental values.
Mr Cull campaigned on openness and transparency in government. Yet his seemingly evasive answers on the matter leave his motives open to suspicion. And his comment about ''minority'' faiths appears dismissive to the many minority groups in the city - including a Buddhist community, many of whom receive teachings from senior Tibetan lamas at the Dhargyey Buddhist Centre - who also have ''sensitivities'' worth considering.
It is pleasing on one level that Chinese sensibilities are taken into account given the persecution many early Chinese settlers faced here. But others should not be overlooked. We value the fact we live in an accepting, inclusive democratic society, and such values should not be sacrificed.
To be fair, it is a dilemma facing not only Mr Cull. The council needs to review whether, in his absence, another city representative should engage with the Tibetan leader. Most similar leaders receive some sort of audience with the city's elected representatives. Indeed, Cr Jinty MacTavish has volunteered to do so.
The Dalai Lama has of course been snubbed by many leaders, including Prime Minister John Key and Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard.
Commentators say China's influence is behind such decisions. Others say our nation is reaching a point where it cannot continue to engage with the communist state without challenging it on areas such as human rights abuses.
Like any relationship, our friendship with China will be sometimes tested - as will we.
The questions we need to debate are similar to those regarding our relationship with the United States. They include whether a genuine friendship allows other alliances to also exist, tolerates opposing opinions and perhaps sometimes sharp debate. A good relationship must be based on mutual respect and understanding. But should it involve the sacrifice of one's fundamental personality - ideals, principles and freedoms? Such impositions surely constitute an abuse of power and result in repression.
There is no doubt China is a key to New Zealand's growth. However, surely a leader who comes preaching peace, compassion and tolerance is as deserving of the welcome mat as those offering trade and financial opportunity? We all have decisions to make about every relationship. One of the most important is surely ''to thine own self be true''.
