Clock Debate Gets Heated At Council Meeting

A tense exchange during an Invercargill City Council committee meeting has left one councillor refusing to apologise for a pointed remark, despite a prolonged silence and requests from colleagues.

The moment unfolded on Tuesday during a discussion about a projects report. Councillor Ian Pottinger voiced criticism of spending on the town’s historic clock, which chair Alex Crackett said was not up for debate at that meeting. Crackett told Pottinger discussion would happen when the report returned.

Pottinger appeared frustrated when Crackett asked whether he had a question, replying, “Yeah I asked the question, were you listening?”

His comment drew a response from councillor Grant Dermody, who raised a point of order and called for an apology. Pottinger responded sharply, saying, “I think Mr Dermody, you just refrain and learn about council before making comments like that.”

Crackett then said she would appreciate an apology. The room fell silent for 12 seconds, but Pottinger did not respond. The standoff ended when Crackett said the matter would be taken up “offline.”

After the meeting, both Pottinger and Crackett confirmed no apology had been made. Crackett explained that as chair, she was within her rights to steer the meeting and ask councillors to wait until full information was available before engaging in debate.

“As the chair, I was well in line to pull him up. Strong and robust debate is a really vital part of our democracy but it has to be conducted with professionalism and with respect,” Crackett said.

She added the situation may still be addressed through council governance processes.

Pottinger, meanwhile, remained unsure what exactly he was being asked to apologise for. He pointed out that Dermody, who had requested the apology, was not a member of the committee and therefore could not raise a point of order — a detail the council later confirmed.

The exchange has highlighted the tensions that can arise in local governance and the importance of maintaining respect in public debate.