Sophie Barker was sworn into office at a ceremony in the Dunedin Centre yesterday.
"It is a serious responsibility to hold the weight of our city’s future," she said.
"It is my honour to be chosen to serve as your mayor and to work with our councillors to make Dunedin thrive."
Ms Barker said her vision was for Dunedin to be New Zealand’s premier city — a prosperous, thriving, creative, fun place to live, learn, visit, work and invest.
Mana whenua representative Matapura Ellison acknowledged elected members’ family, friends and supporters in the audience, including those dressed in pink.
"To the sea of pink, kia ora koutou."
Ms Barker thanked her mother and daughter and called her supporters Team Pink, saying they had propelled and sustained her during the election campaign.
Councillors also took their oaths of office, including six newly elected members.
Another light note was produced by council chief executive Sandy Graham, who briefly declared people were free to smoke in the venue, before correcting herself.
Ms Barker said she wished to lead with purpose and values.
Her list included integrity, respect, inclusion, authenticity, courage and grace.
