He announced yesterday he would not run for a fourth term as mayor.
"After some deliberation, I have decided not to seek re-election in the local body elections later this year.
"I have enjoyed every minute of being part of and representing this positive and energetic community," he said.
Mr Geddes told the Otago Daily Times he decided after meeting family at the weekend he would be unable to give the commitment needed to carry out the job of mayor.
It was important for him to maintain a good family life - and important for the district to have a change in leadership.
"I have a sense there's a lot of interest in the community from people wanting to seek seats on the council and to run as mayor," he said.
It was difficult to pick a highlight of his time as mayor.
"What I've enjoyed most is meeting people with a great deal of pride in the place they live in and those who put voluntary time into improving it as a place to live," he said.
One of the biggest challenges of his tenure was the way council contracted its services.
He was pleased issues - such as the council deciding this month to put engineering contracts out to open tender - were being resolved before he left office.
The 65-year-old has no intention of retiring after the October election.
"There are a range of options that are out in the private sector I have interest in and we have family plans around travel."
Mr Geddes, an economist, has worked as an asset manager in the accommodation and tourism industries and has experience as a property manager.
He is married to Sally and has one son from a previous marriage.
Cr Vanessa Van Uden is the only confirmed mayoral candidate to date.
