Councillors Lloyd Esler, Bonnie Mager and David Stevens did not stand for re-election. They were farewelled by chairman Nicol Horrell and fellow councillors before giving their valedictory speeches.
Cr Esler, who served three years at Environment Southland following three terms at the Invercargill City Council, said he was not standing again, largely because of his other work and projects throughout the region.
His need to spend more time out and about also contributed to his decision — although he clarified the council would still see a bit of him.
"The term has seen quite a lot of changes.
"We’ve heard the Maori voice more than we’ve heard before, and I welcome that — I’ve got a lot of affection for our Maori partners.
"For the future council, they’ve got sea water level changes to deal with, there’s climate change to deal with, stock numbers, changes to local government, Three Waters; floods are coming, fires are coming, the quake is coming and wallabies are coming, among other things.
"But I’m still hanging around in the background. Chairman and I have got various projects that I’m involved with — so you’ve not seen the last of me."
Cr Horrell thanked Cr Esler and said while some of his comments were a bit honest, "there’s an old saying ‘if you don’t understand history, you’re bound to repeat it"’.
Cr Stevens, who has served two terms, said he thought the council had functioned particularly well over the last years, and addressed each of his fellow councillors in turn and thanked the rest of the regional council staff.
He thanked Cr Horrell for his leadership during his two terms, noting he had only seen one walk-out and one point-of-order during the meetings.
Cr Mager spoke briefly. She thanked her voters, and said it was a pleasure to represent them and council staff.
"The only thing that I hope comes out of me being here is that we see more young women in leadership roles, and hopefully we see some of that in our polling this Saturday."
Cr Eric Roy said it was important the council acknowledges Cr Horrell’s leadership over the term.
"You have been a valuable leader ... and I think that should go on record."
By: Ben Tomsett
