Since the stadium opened in 2004, Gamble has been on duty for long hours and has been the public face of the ice stadium.
"It's time to let new blood in. I'm a bit prehistoric. I don't use a computer or cellphone," Gamble said.
Gamble had the vision that was needed to transform the old Dunedin Stadium into the ice stadium.
He set out clear priorities and this has been the secret of the success of the stadium.
"I have always put the rink first, the kids second, the clubs third and the egos fourth," he said.
Gamble (68) was appointed manager of the Big Chill Ice Rink in 1996 and continued in this role when the Dunedin Ice Stadium was opened in October 2004.
Ice has been Gamble's life and passion and he has spent long hours preparing the smooth surface that has been instrumental in giving the Dunedin Ice Stadium an international reputation over the past four years.
The stadium is regarded as the best ice arena in the southern hemisphere and this has been highlighted by the number of international teams that visit Dunedin to use the facility.
The facility has also attracted top international coaches to Dunedin to work at the stadium.
It is the quality of ice that attracts these teams and it is a tribute to Gamble's expert treatment that has given the Dunedin Ice Stadium this reputation.
The Big Chill was closed in 2002 and the Dunedin Ice Stadium was opened in 2004.
"I spent a full year on designing, fundraising and building," he said.
One of the highlights of Gamble's time as manager of the stadium has been the development of skating.
"The number of skaters has gone from three to 500 in Kiwi Skate and the skating club," he said.
Gamble knows that the stadium needs to remain financially stable to remain at the top.
He expects to have an interim role in the transition easing the new staff into the financial aspects of the business.
"It is critical that the stadium remains financially viable. I've done that for seven years and we need to make sure that we don't have any hiccups."
A key to Gamble's policy as manager has been to help the ice clubs to grow and be strong.
"They help to give us financial clout during a recession," he said.
Ice hockey has a fulltime coach and figure skating has three fulltime coaches.
"It is all about housekeeping and the three staff members are aware of the standards and we should be able to maintain those."
Gamble would like to be replaced by a member of his staff. "We need to have continuity and use their experience," he said. "I have spent a lot of hours and years training them."
Gamble will not be idle in his retirement.
"We have downsized our house to a unit at Mosgiel and there is work to do there. I've got half a kitchen renewed at my crib at Shag Point that I built 12 years ago and I am renewing the decks."
He is also a keen gardener and fisherman and his wife and he intend to do some travelling.
He has got his priorities right.
"We will live at Shag Point and Mosgiel will be our crib," he said.
Neil Gamble
An appreciation
• Ken Whitson (president Dunedin Curling Club): "If it wasn't for Neil, we wouldn't have the stadium now."
• Sam Inder (board member Dunedin Curling Club): "Neil has been the backbone that has kept us together."
• Edwin Harley (board member): "He has worked hard with the Dunedin City Council to get this site."
• Dave Inder (board member): "Neil's enthusiasm has been extraordinary. He has been tireless in looking after the interest of all the ice sports."
