He wants it to increase housing stock, manage carbon emissions better and continue to enhance the resilience of South Dunedin and other coastal communities.
"In addition, I hope the new council will have the courage to continue to stand up for our Ukrainian and Palestinian communities experiencing such horror in their homeland," he said.
The Dunedin City Council had its final meeting of the term yesterday and Cr Benson-Pope — the only councillor not seeking re-election — delivered his farewell speech.
Family, including wife Jan, were in the public gallery.
Three council chief executives who stood out were Murray Douglas, Sue Bidrose and Sandy Graham, Cr Benson-Pope said.
He wished councillors and new candidates luck in the election.
"May you all receive the electoral success you deserve," he said wryly.
Dunedin Mayor Jules Radich highlighted Cr Benson-Pope was first a councillor from 1986 until 1999 and, after nine years in central government, returned to the council in 2013.
He was involved in the council’s initiative to buy the Dunedin Railway Station, advocated for saving the court house in lower Stuart St and fought for the new hospital, Mr Radich said.
Cr Steve Walker praised Cr Benson-Pope’s foresight and "smarts".
He added, fondly: "You’re probably my favourite grumpy person in the world."
Cr Christine Garey said she appreciated Cr Benson-Pope’s wisdom and clarity, and Cr Marie Laufiso sang a waiata.
