In a statement, Queenstown Lakes Mayor Jim Boult said Cr MacDonald had been battling the effects of Parkinson’s disease and had followed medical advice to "significantly reduce his workload to focus on managing his condition".
"Personally, I am very sorry to see John leave council," Mr Boult said.
"He has been a supporter of providing increased access to homes as chair of the Mayoral Housing Affordability Taskforce in his first term.
"In more recent times, he has been the chair of the Audit, Finance and Risk committee and the ... 10-year plan steering group.
"He has brought a steady and considered perspective to the table through some difficult debates and sensitive topics.
"I, for one, will miss his contribution to our important work for the district’s communities."
Cr MacDonald was first elected to the Queenstown-Wakatipu ward in October 2016 and was re-elected in 2019 which, Mr Boult said, was a "testament to his integrity and the contribution he has made to the work of council".
"I, my fellow councillors, and all at QLDC wish John the very best for the future."
The resignation triggers the process for a by-election to take place within the Queenstown-Wakatipu ward, details of which would be published once confirmed.
Yesterday, Queenstown resident A.J. Mason, who had previously joked he held the record for being the district’s shortest-lived councillor, said he had had not ruled out standing again.
The preliminary votes of the 2019 election had Mr Mason two votes ahead of Cr Glyn Lewers for the sixth Wakatipu seat.
However, Cr Lewers applied for a recount, after which the pair were tied on 2183 votes.
Although Mr Mason had already been sworn in, a coin toss was used to determine who would hold the seat — and that went in favour of Cr Lewers.
Mr Mason spoke to the Otago Daily Times shortly after finding out about Cr MacDonald’s resignation yesterday and said he was "terribly sad" to hear the news.
