Dunedin Mayor Peter Chin presented a bouquet to councillors and staff yesterday, congratulating them for surviving a tough year full of difficult decisions - and for putting up with each other.
Mr Chin made his comments at the end of the final meeting of the Dunedin City Council for the year, which was held yesterday.
He congratulated assembled councillors and staff for their work on the year's major projects and issues, including the controversial Forsyth Barr Stadium, town hall redevelopment and debate over John Wilson Ocean Dr.
The year's "hardest" decision had been to proceed with the stadium project, but Mr Chin said he was encouraged to see construction was "well under way and currently on time [and] on budget".
It was the wish "of all of us" that continued until the project was completed, he said.
He also acknowledged the work on the town hall project by council strategy and development general manager Kate Styles, who has resigned to take up a new role in Wellington, and council chief executive Jim Harland.
"I think probably this year has been the toughest year Jim would have experienced in all his years as chief executive officer of the Dunedin City Council."
He said 2010 would bring its own challenges, including an election, but congratulated councillors for working together on tough tasks.
"It hasn't been easy.
"Emotions do run high . . . each of us are very passionate about the community we all collectively represent."
