He would not be drawn by the Otago Daily Times yesterday into commenting on why the council did not select him from 31 applicants when it advertised his job last month.
Council chief executives can be appointed for three years, then another two separate two year terms, before it is compulsory the job be advertised.
Waimate Mayor Craig Rowley announced on Monday Southland District Council financial and corporate services group manager Bede Carran had got the job and would take over on August 1, with Mr Alden serving out his contract until then.
Mr Alden said it would be inappropriate for him to comment on the appointment process or the council's decision.
However, he was proud to be leaving the council in a much stronger financial position than when he arrived, even though the rates increase forecast for the next year was lower than it had been for several years.
''Financially, Waimate ...now ranks very favourably in key success measures compared to similar councils,'' he said.
Staff were very customer-focused and thoroughly professional.
'' I will certainly miss my day-to-day dealings with them all.''
Mr Alden, who was with the Oamaru Licensing Trust for 32 years and was its general manager, had enjoyed the privilege of engaging in the mechanics of local government and in dealing with the many challenges and opportunities presented during nearly nine years of service, which included two years as financial adviser to the council''
At the completion of my contract I will be taking a long-overdue holiday and considering my options for the future,'' he said.
