A public hearing in Dunedin, New Zealand, exposed a contentious email exchange between mayoral candidate Andrew Simms and developer Allan Dippie regarding the proposed Smooth Hill landfill. Dippie criticized Simms' opposition to the landfill, describing Simms' campaign advertisements as "hysterical" and warning against the potential economic consequences of not building it.
Dippie's email, which was partially read aloud by Simms during the hearing, contained harsh criticism of current councillors, describing them as lacking talent and being "weird and woke." He also made comments about the councillors' financial compensation.
Simms defended his position, highlighting support from various experts in logistics, accounting, environmental science, and waste management. He also countered Dippie's criticism of the councillors, arguing that it was unfair and that the quality of individuals entering public service had been declining for decades. The email chain also showed further disagreements over the practicality and environmental implications of the landfill project.
The mayor, Jules Radich, intervened during the hearing, raising a point of order about the relevance of introducing private political discourse. Despite the interruption, the exchange revealed the strong feelings between the two parties regarding the landfill and the larger implications for Dunedin's future.