A Manaakitanga Community Engagement Powhiri group developed by the Araiteuru marae and the council had dramatically showed its value after the terrorist attacks in Christchurch on March 15, he said.
An already scheduled meeting of the group the next day, March 16, meant about 200 people could be reassured by the police and the community at the marae.
Mr Gourlie attended the Dunedin City Council's latest citizenship ceremony at the Dunedin Municipal Chambers on Wednesday and provided a kowhai plant to each new citizen.
"The city council has always supported us," he said.
"That's huge - not all councils do this."
After three years as president, he would not be standing again at the council's annual meeting later this month.
A lively and capable multi-ethnic council executive had helped the council gain momentum and a higher profile.
He would continue to provide support but it was time to stand aside, so new leaders could come through.
He was pleased with the success of several initiatives, including an expansion of the former Race Relations Day into 10 days of activities.
