Yesterday he confirmed he would be instead standing for re-election as mayor of Southland in October’s local body election.
He joins Southland district councillor Rob Scott, Kirsty Pickett and Geoffrey Young in the race for the district’s top job.
Mr Tong said the decision was not taken lightly but as his council and the region were facing such a critical moment with the Three Waters, local government and resource management reforms, he felt he needed to stay where he was.
"It is with genuine sadness that I made this decision because I received a lot of support from Invercargill ratepayers.
"However, at this moment — knowing all the details and background of things which are happening in local and central government — I believe that I still have a lot do for Southland.
"My heart is with Southland."
Mr Tong said many people had approached him in the past few weeks and encouraged him to reconsider his intentions.
"Sitting down with these like-minded people made me realise the importance of continuity at this unsettling time.
"I have therefore considered this wholly from the perspective of both councils and the future of our province."
He had informed his colleagues and aspiring Southland District Council candidates of his decision earlier this week — despite holding great respect for all of them, he believed this was a time to vouch for continuity.
"With the benefit of experience and hindsight I don’t believe this is a time for SDC to be inducting a new mayor to take on the leadership and responsibility of ensuring nothing is missed.
"I am an experienced mayor with extensive knowledge of what is happening, what needs to happen and what is going to happen, therefore the transition post the elections will be short and I will hit the ground running."
