According to a statement provided to Critic Te Ārohi from President Daniel Leamy, the Otago University Students’ Association (OUSA) plans to trespass Dunedin Councillor Benedict Ong from “all OUSA premises” following reports from students alleging “inappropriate and unwanted behaviours.” Guess he won’t be getting his $5 lunch anytime soon.
In a letter sent to Vice-Chancellor Grant Robertson on the 1st of September, OUSA urged the University to trespass Ong as well. “OUSA takes student wellbeing incredibly seriously, as such we have considered the options and concluded that OUSA will trespass Councillor Ong. We encourage the university to do so as well.”
When approached for comment, Benedict posted this author’s request for comment on his Facebook page within 13 minutes. “I am in a Council meeting now but obviously there is once again another politically motivated false attack against me because of the support I have across our Community and a number of my statements in my posts,” he posted above the request. When Critic commented on his Facebook post saying that we were still seeking comment, he responded that “You have read my response above in the first sentence. D’uh.”
As explained in the letter, OUSA suggested that Ong’s “behaviour towards students” on campus had led to students reporting that they felt “uncomfortable and unsafe”. Those complaints had reportedly come from a variety of students over the course of 2026. “OUSA has received numerous complaints from students regarding Councillor Benedict Ong,” Daniel said. “We would therefore like to submit an official complaint to the University, on behalf of the student community.”
When approached about the matter, a University spokesperson told Critic that “we are currently in discussions with OUSA on this matter and are not in a position to comment further at this time.”
Benedict Ong has been a controversial character ever since he became an Ōtepoti Dunedin City Councillor last October. Born in Dunedin, Ong moved back to our most special city in June of last year following his tenure as a private international banker. He was ranked as the 12th most popular candidate voted on to council. Since then, Ong has laid code of conduct complaints against others, received (many) code of conduct complaints, worn tape across his mouth when being escorted out of a council meeting and been asked to resign. Now he is unwelcome at our most special university.
According to Daniel, this trespass reflects OUSA’s commitment to preventing student harm and ensuring students feel safe and supported whilst in all OUSA facilities. “We also urge the University to follow suit in the interests of student wellbeing. While the University campus and OUSA premises are open to the public, we believe all reasonable steps should be taken to ensure students feel safe on campus.”
According to Leamy, OUSA’s primary concern is the safety and wellbeing of students. He encourages any students who have experienced inappropriate behaviour to seek support, including through the OUSA Student Support Centre.
Updates to come as they happen.
