Queenstown Lakes District Mayor John Glover used those numbers to show the breadth of service of retiring chief executive Mike Theelen at his final council meeting.
Mr Glover said the district was one of the most challenging areas in the country to perform the chief executive role and, in the few months he had worked with Mr Theelen, he had seen the "high regard" with which he was held in local government circles.
Deputy mayor Quentin Smith said councillors did not always fully appreciate the work it took for a chief executive to translate their ideas and directions into practice.
"I've always appreciated your open door and your willingness to return or take a phone call, even at strange hours."
Cr Cody Tucker told Mr Theelen he admired the "intestinal fortitude" he showed while doing his job.
His legacy was not only the work he had done, but the team he had built at the council.
"I’m incredibly grateful for your service for our district in the past decade, and how you’ve left us in a great place."
Cr Jon Mitchell said he and Mr Theelen went "back a long way" through their work during and after the Canterbury earthquakes and he had particularly enjoyed the opportunity to work closely with him in the past few months.
"So thank you and I wish you all the best for what you're going to do next."
Former three-term councillor Craig Ferguson, who appeared at the meeting’s public forum, said he spoke for many former councillors in thanking Mr Theelen for the "knowledge and guidance" he had given them.
From his own dealings with council staff over the years, he had come to "understand the high respect you were held in, the culture you fostered and the support you provided".
The "huge demands" of the role were not fully understood among the wider community, Mr Ferguson said.
"You have to absorb blame, make unpopular decisions and constantly manage risks.
"In my opinion, the QLDC was very, very fortunate to have you."
The meeting was on Thursday last week; Mr Theelen’s last day is Friday.
The council’s strategy and policy general manager, Michelle Morss, has been appointed interim chief executive while a permanent replacement is recruited.
