Former councillors farewelled

Intelligent, passionate and "occasionally annoying" — Dunedin city councillors have eulogised their former colleagues as a new term dawns.

At yesterday’s inaugural Dunedin City Council meeting, new mayor Sophie Barker and other returning members acknowledged the service of former councillors Andrew Whiley, Carmen Houlahan, Jim O’Malley, Bill Acklin and Kevin Gilbert, who were not re-elected at last month’s election.

Cr Mandy Mayhem said Mr Whiley, a four-term councillor, was an incredible, community-minded person who had supported her when she first entered local politics.

"He was always thoughtful and genuine and kind-hearted," Cr Mayhem said, choking up.

Cr Cherry Lucas said Mr Whiley was passionate about economic growth and went out of his way to have Dunedin’s economy at the centre of all he did.

Cr Jules Radich, who served as Dunedin mayor last term, described three-term councillor Dr O’Malley as a staunch advocate for the city and its infrastructure — his "intellectual rigour" would be missed, Cr Radich said.

"He was very pivotal in the situation we are now in, of having ownership and control, being able to go it alone with our water systems, which will make a significant difference to Dunedin into the future."

Cr Steve Walker said he slowly grew to enjoy sitting beside Mrs Houlahan at the council table although she was often late and "if the meeting was dragged on, she’d often have a wee snooze at the table".

"As a councillor, Carmen was impassioned, animated, spirited, very determined and occasionally annoying," Cr Walker said.

"She wore a heart on her sleeve and gave 100% to any of the causes she was passionate about — if she was fighting your corner, you wouldn’t die wondering."

Mrs Houlahan, who served on the council for two terms, contacted the Otago Daily Times yesterday to say she had never fallen asleep during a meeting and Cr Walker’s remark was made "jovially".

She said she appreciated the kind words from Cr Walker and Cr Radich, who also spoke about her service.

Cr Lucas said she admired the work ethic of one-term councillor Mr Gilbert who, as a former baker, would be working in the early hours before council meetings.

She said she would continue work to achieve their shared goal of Dunedin being single-use plastic cup free.

Cr Brent Weatherall said he and Mr Acklin’s families had been friends for generations and no election result would change that.

"Over the past three years, Bill has kept me sane, reminded me that common sense can prevail most of the time, and shown a deep care for people and place," Cr Weatherall said.

"[Mr Acklin] said he hoped to be remembered not just as an entertainer, but as a genuine contributor and governor of the city he’s loved all his life.

"Without question, Bill, you have achieved both."

Mr Acklin was elected in 2022 and previously served on council from 2004 to 2013.

Former councillor David Benson-Pope was farewelled before the election.

The council also recognised the service of former community board members Pim Allen (Saddle Hill), David "Jock" Frew and Tony Markham (both Strath Taieri).

ruby.shaw@odt.co.nz