Councillors Sally Feinerman, Nigel McKinlay and Neil Gillespie all gave valedictory speeches at the end of their last council meeting, thanking their fellow councillors, council staff and the media.
Mr Gillespie said his local body governance career began in 1998 when he stood for election to the Cromwell Community Board for the second time, having missed out in 1995.
His motivation, in part, was to make sure that when his children came home they would have the same opportunity and benefits he and wife Joy had had while bringing them up in Cromwell.
"One’s home out of four so far, but we’ll see what happens with the rest."
In 2001 he stood for a seat at the district council table and after that election he was seated with current councillors Lynley Claridge and Martin McPherson.
Councillors stood to speak at a meeting then and the men wore ties, he said.
In 2010 then Mayor Tony Lepper asked Mr Gillespie to be his deputy."It was a huge honour and ... often portrayed as being something that was a big deal ... [but] it’s only an issue if the mayor goes mad or dies, and I [didn’t] think Lepper [had] either of those two things in his plan."
It was a good opportunity to learn more about how council operated, he said.
Mr Gillespie went on to be deputy to Mayor Tim Cadogan and then current Mayor Tamah Alley.
"The leadership of all those mayors has been a big part of getting us to where we are today.
"Every one of them was different, did things in a different way. What they did do, and still do to this day, is make sure that as a council, we work collaboratively towards the bigger picture."
While debate had been robust the councillors had never stopped respecting each other, he said.
"It wasn’t about being right or wrong. It was about everybody striving at this table to try and make sure they’re doing the right thing for the right reasons."
However, things were changing, he said.
"Today, we’re in an environment where for the first time ever, particularly this election process, we’re seeing a very different level of campaigning.
"The misinformation that’s out in our community is significant and it’s, I think, bad for democracy and it’s too easy for people to have an opinion backed up by nothing without knowing or make outrageous comments. I just hope that as part of this election process that this community gets out and votes and votes in big numbers because no matter what, no matter who you vote for, you’ve got to have been part of the process. And if people don’t, then I think that’s not good for democracy going forward."
Council staff worked hard and at times to their own cost as they were vilified for recommendations yet were just doing their jobs, he said.
"We wouldn’t be where we are today without the staff that work in council. I actually applied for a job in council before I went on to the community board. I didn’t get it, thank God. And I mean that quite honestly."
The support from his wife Joy and family had been crucial.
"The sacrifice that she’s had to make for me being distracted on council-related business and other stuff I’m involved in is unable to be measured."
He had not realised the effect being involved in "an organisation people love to hate" had had on his children and he warned it was going to get harder for future councillors’ families.
"Things out there are merciless as it is without having someone who’s on the council who’s your father or mother, so be prepared for that. "
Teviot ward councillor Sally Feinerman said after nine years serving the community it felt like the right time to stand down.
" It’s not a decision I made lightly but it feels like the right time. I’m incredibly grateful for the journey, the highs, the hard calls, the laughs and the lessons."
One of the biggest projects she had been involved in was the Roxburgh swimming pool.
"It wasn’t without its challenges and yes, it did cause me a bit of grief during the long-term plan. Today I can say with pride that seven local people will have jobs this summer in Roxburgh because of it and to me that’s the icing on the cake. I’ve also been passionate about improving our walking tracks and I’m thrilled with the network we’ve built."
In February, Roxburgh lost its entertainment centre to fire but from that loss an enthusiastic group of volunteers were stepping up to ensure the rebuilding would deliver a facility that would serve the community for the next hundred years, she said.
"That spirit of resilience and renewal is what makes this place so special."
Cromwell ward councillor Nigel McKinlay said the council functioned well with people prepared to agree to disagree on issues.
"You look around elsewhere, you treasure that a wee bit."
The essence of democracy was that those who stand for office front up and you can vote them in for a fixed term and then vote them out.
"So my message to everyone is to value your vote."
