Dunedin's new deputy mayor Cherry Lucas has been welcomed to the role and her predecessor, Sophie Barker, thanked for her service.
Several councillors at a Dunedin City Council meeting on Monday praised Cr Barker for her diligence and Mayor Jules Radich said she had fulfilled the role with aplomb.
Cr Lucas was congratulated on her appointment.
The change in deputy mayoralty almost a year into the term resulted in a change of seating arrangements.
Cr Lee Vandervis said he had enjoyed having Cr Lucas sit next to him and quipped she could have been a moderating influence on him and might now extend that to the mayor.
The shift in responsibilities will also result in changes to councillors’ pay, although the total remains the same.
A new pay scale was endorsed to be recommended to the Remuneration Authority for approval.
It was adjusted because Cr Barker continues to chair the strategy, planning and engagement committee while Cr Lucas remains finance and council-controlled organisations committee deputy chairwoman.
Cr Barker resigned as deputy mayor earlier this month, citing difficulties working with the mayor.
