Dunedin City Council chief executive apologises, formally warned over misconduct

The Dunedin City Council has revealed its chief executive received a formal warning for misconduct after the chief ombudsman intervened.

The complaint against Sandy Graham was investigated by King's Counsel Maria Dew in 2024.

The complaint alleged Graham often swore and made inappropriate comments about staff and elected members to the complainant.

The investigation found the complaint was partly substantiated and relevant parties were given an opportunity to respond to a draft report.

The council's decision-making committee made a finding of misconduct, not serious misconduct, in the same year and required Graham to undertake coaching and engage in a facilitation process.

Sandy Graham also apologised to the complainant and the committee on behalf of council.

The council released a summary of the investigation after the Otago Daily Times complained to the ombudsman that the council was denying its requests for information about the complaint.

The chief ombudsman found the council was justified in not providing the information, but said it should release a summary to satisfy public interest.

The council gave a brief statement, saying it would not comment further as it was an internal employment matter.

"The summary we have provided uses the wording expressly recommended by the Office of the Ombudsman for release," a spokesperson said.