Clutha district Lawrence-Tuapeka ward councillor Jock Martin, who has Māori heritage, said he was "shocked" to receive the voicemail in August last year, particularly since he did not know the man in question.
He said the slur was just one example of an apparent increase in aggression and offensive behaviour towards officials that he had not anticipated when he became a councillor for the first time two years ago.
He had decided to make the incident public now as he wanted those standing for public office to be aware of the potential challenges ahead of local government elections later this year.
In the voicemail, which the Otago Daily Times has heard, the caller identifies himself before rambling in a slurring voice about a council decision on Māori land rates in the Catlins.
The decision, which aligned with council policy, reversed an earlier decision to decline rates relief for the land.
He concludes with the words, "get your shit together, n....., you’re done".
Cr Martin said, due to the implied threat, he had alerted police to the message.
"They advised me to write the guy a letter, which I did. It’s been several months, and I’ve heard nothing back from him, so I’ve decided to make it public in an effort to throw some light on what you can face as a public official."
He said he did not wish to name the man as he did not want to "destroy his reputation".
"The biggest shock was, this guy’s a local businessman - not even in my ward - and leader of the community. I’m pretty sure when Māori or foreign visitors drop into his business he doesn’t start throwing racial slurs around. There’s just no excuse for it."
Cr Martin said he believed in taking responsibility for your actions.
"I’ve tasted success and failure in my life, and I don’t hate anyone for anything. You stand behind your words and your decisions the way I see it.
"I’ve just been surprised by the amount of hate and negativity out there since I became a councillor. It’s not healthy to be hating all the time, as all you’ll do is destroy yourself at the end of the day," Cr Martin said.
He said he was proud of his Māori heritage, and would not let negativity or racism deter him from serving his community.
"My mum was half-Māori, and it’s an important part of who I am. Racism has no place in our society, and it’s important to call it out and stand up to it when we see it.
"Clutha is pretty diverse nowadays, ... Samoans, Filipinos and others essential for our primary industries, and that’s something we should welcome."
