Mr Radich said yesterday his first two weeks on the job had given him a keener awareness of the time and effort required for the role, and he was conscious his predecessor Aaron Hawkins had balanced this with a young family.
The new mayor was sworn into office in a ceremony at the Fullwood Room in the Dunedin Centre yesterday.
The Dunedin City Council’s 14 councillors, including four new councillors and new deputy mayor Sophie Barker, were also sworn in.
Mr Radich told a crowd of friends, family and neighbours of the new council that the representatives would work faithfully and do their "very best for the wonderful city of Dunedin and all who live here".
Mr Radich said Mr Hawkins had focused on the social and environmental wellbeing of Dunedin and he would miss his rival’s oratory and wry sense of humour.
Substantial tributes to the former mayor were offered by former deputy mayor Christine Garey and Crs David Benson-Pope, Steve Walker and Marie Laufiso.
Cr Laufiso sang a song.
Outgoing councillor Rachel Elder was praised by councillors for her kindness.
She had also been a consistent advocate for South Dunedin, social housing and a cycling trail between Mosgiel and Dunedin.
A vote to invite the Kati Huirapa ki Puketeraki and Otakou runanga to identify representatives to be part of two committees was won, 14-1. Cr Lee Vandervis voted against.
Cr Laufiso advocated for a different pay scale for councillors from what is to be sent to the Remuneration Authority for approval.
Her proposal would have closed the pay gap between councillors assigned deputy-chairing responsibilities and those without these duties, which at present was Crs Benson-Pope and Walker.
Her amendment — backed by Crs Garey, Benson-Pope and Walker — was lost, 11-4.
