Dunedin Councillor Jo Galer Joins Council Meeting From Bathroom

Dunedin City Councillor Jo Galer joined a Dunedin City Council meeting on Monday via Zoom from her bathroom, where laundry and underwear were visible in the background of her video feed. During a session focused on local government reform, Mayor Sophie Barker noticed the setting and advised Galer to move her camera, noting that her washing was visible.

Galer dismissed the concern, stating it was no problem for colleagues to see her and her laundry. Despite the unconventional setting, Galer delivered a speech on local government reform and criticized what she described as frivolous council spending. The meeting was further disrupted by the removal of an unnamed councillor for disorderly conduct.

Footage of the incident posted to YouTube has garnered thousands of views. Viewers have highlighted a dark figure, a shadow, and a hand appearing behind a frosted glass door, possibly a shower screen, while Galer was speaking. This event follows a 2020 incident involving former councillor David Benson-Pope, who appeared on a Zoom call wearing a suit jacket but no pants.