In an interview with Bay Harbour News, Dunlay said sitting city councillor Tyrone Fields did not live in the ward. He was also critical Fields was a Labour Party member.
But Dunlay misfired over where Fields lives. Fields moved to Lyttelton from Somerfield just before Christmas.
When told by Bay Harbour News that Fields was actually living in the ward, Dunlay said he had learned of that over the weekend, adding: “Welcome back”.
Fields responded: “Mr Dunlay is misinformed, I hope he’s not misinformed on too many other things.”
But Fields wouldn’t say when he moved to Lyttelton and where he had been living, forcing Bay Harbour News finding out from elsewhere.
Fields would only say how long his family have lived in the area and how he is proud to represent Banks Peninsula.
Said Fields: “I live in Lyttelton and my family have lived there continuously since I think 1909, but definitely 1913, when my grandparents Cecil and Minnie Beckett lived at 8 Simeon Terrace, an address which no longer exists. Cecil worked on the waterfront as did my grandfather and father and so the Port of Lyttelton is very dear to me.
“I’ve been elected by the people of Lyttelton to represent them three times and most days I’m found to be in one of our many beautiful communities from Lyttelton to Le Bons and everywhere in between.
“I lived in London for 13 years, it was a great way to get a wider perspective on the world but also showed me how great it was to be home. I returned just before the earthquake with a couple kids who are pretty much grown up now but have spent most their lives enjoying the benefits of growing up in our beautiful city.”
Fields also responded to Dunlay over his Labour connections and party politics affecting local government decisions.
“I’m comfortable in saying I’m a member of the Labour Party but that definitely doesn’t interfere with my decision making in local government.”
Dunlay said he was not a member or affiliated with any political party.
Asked by Bay Harbour News who he voted for at the last election, he said he couldn’t remember, but he was part of the movement to change the Labour Government.
Dunlay, a former radio host, is campaigning on having lived in Lyttelton for almost 30 years.
