Cr Robertson, believed to be the youngest woman elected to a regional council at age 26 in 2004, and possibly the first ORC councillor to be standing for re-election after just having had a baby, had planned to be at the council's last round of committee meetings, which fell on her due date of September 1.
She had expected her baby to be late.
"It didn't work out that way, though. I had other places to be."
Given the timing of her pregnancy, she initially thought she would stand down from the regional council at election time, but changed her mind after speaking to her council colleagues.
Having thought it over, she believed it was important women took part in local government and, with six years on the council, had the experience to give back much more.
With Angus an eighth-generation "Dunedinite", she had even more of an investment in the city's future, she said.
"It's important we [women] stand up and take on leadership roles. We may have to sacrifice a little bit for a nice, healthy place for kids to live in the future."
The council had felt like an extended family throughout her pregnancy, she said.
"All the other councillors are parents and grandparents. I have had much encouragement from the self-appointed 'surrogate grandparents' among the councillors."
A strong support network of friends and family in the city, including husband John Hollows, would enable her to keep her part-time council commitments, she said.
Angus got his first introduction to the council at a farewell afternoon tea for retiring chairman Stephen Cairns yesterday.
Cr Robertson said she had taken leave from her position with the Landcare Trust but would continue her work with the Upper Taieri Water Management group one day a week until it ended in June.
"Working farmers all have a family approach and are happy for a baby to come to meetings."
