Dunedin City Councillor Benedict Ong to be trespassed from Otago University Students' Association premises

The Otago University Students' Association plans to trespass controversial Dunedin City Councillor Benedict Ong from its premises after reports from students of inappropriate and unwanted behaviour.The association's president Daniel Leamy said it took student wellbeing seriously and was taking action to ensure students feel safe and supported.The association wanted the University of Otago to follow suit and trespass Ong from the campus.A university spokesperson said it was in discussions with the association and was not in a position to comment.In a social media post, Ong described the move as a "politically motivated false attack" because "of the support I have across our community and a number of my statements in my posts".He attached an image of himself with a group of young women and performers from the University of Otago Capping Show at what appears to be the Dunedin student bar U-Bar.In May, Ong was suspended from all committees and subcommittees for nine months because of concerns about his behaviour.He faced a code of conduct complaint after revealing details about a potential hotel development at Forsyth Barr Stadium to reporters in April.Last month, Ong was kicked out of a council meeting discussing its amalgamation plans and, in the weeks leading up to that, had been asked to leave a University of Otago student protest and a health debate hosted by the Big Hairy Network.Speaking to RNZ after the council meeting, Ong said he had been "wrongfully barred, blocked and banned" from his right to vote.On 29 July, Education Action Group 26 organised a protest and sit-in at the university's St David's complex to protest against tertiary education cuts.Spokesperson Annabel Hankin said Ong was among many others who put their hands up to speak in response to a question during the sit-in.When he was not selected, he stood up and spoke loudly before being told to settle down and not to interrupt others.She described his behaviour as "a little bit disorderly and distracting", but that it was "pretty harmless" and easily dealt with."This was a protest of students and university staff and community, and he doesn't get any more right to speak than anyone else."