Outgoing Queenstown Lakes District mayor Clive Geddes' last council meeting was bittersweet but still conducted with the same astute aplomb that has characterised his nine-year tenure in the top job.
Mr Geddes' eyes welled with tears as he began handing fellow departing councillors plaques recognising their commitment - to Gillian Macleod (three terms), John R. Wilson (Arrowtown ward, two terms) and deputy mayor John S. Wilson (one term).
"It's been an interesting journey. Gillian and I came in as a result of the community wanting change - that change energised that council and that energy is here today," Mr Geddes said as the final sitting of the current council broke for lunch on Wednesday.
The final pre-election meeting for the current council was jovial in nature as chambers erupted with laughter sporadically in between discussion of the more sober council agenda.
John S. Wilson was determined to get the last word - traditionally the prerogative of the mayor - but was unable to do so.
"Nine years as mayor is a pretty fantastic effort. It's been quite revealing to learn just how challenging the job of mayor is.
"You have been the face of the Queenstown Lakes District Council in many respects and have always been very highly regarded in the manner you've represented the district," Mr Wilson said.
