The five officials — Brent Mackie, Alison Ludemann, John Herbert, Bruce Vollweiler and outgoing mayor of five terms Bryan Cadogan — gave valedictory speeches at the last regular Clutha District Council meeting of the triennium in Balclutha on Thursday.
Single-term councillor Mr Mackie, of the Clinton ward, said he had enjoyed his three years on the council, but not the "bomb drops" of reading material.
Cr Ludemann (Balclutha, three terms) said it had been "quite a ride".
She thanked mentors, fellow councillors, staff and the community for their support, particularly during recent challenging political times.
"The angst in the community, because of some of the decisions we’ve had to make, that actually has really hurt sometimes. But it’s all about community; that’s why I’ve been here."
Cr Herbert (West Otago, three terms) said he was proud the council had maintained "friendships and integrity", despite the challenges faced.
"We don’t go away harbouring any ill will ... because you come with an open mind and a fresh mind. Everyone’s trying their best every day."
Cr Vollweiler (Bruce, eight terms) began by drawing attention to the group photo of councillors on the chamber wall from his first term, in 2001.
"There’s the young chap with all his hair and dark-coloured, and now most of the hair’s gone and it’s turned grey. Being a councillor must be very stressful."
He said it was a hard decision to step down, even though the workload for councillors had increased unrecognisably during his time in service.
"[Back then] the fax machine would spring into life every now and again and churn out a handful of pages, and it wasn’t too hard to read. Now as much time goes into reading paperwork as into the meetings themselves."
He thanked staff for their own patience in preparing reports for councillors, and for being "a fount of knowledge".
In a poignant and reflective speech, Mr Cadogan — who also spent three terms as a councillor before his 15-year mayoral stint — said he had loved his time on the council.
"I was a pain in the arse when I first came here, and I got kicked in the butt sometimes.
"We’re not meant to agree all the time. Democracy’s got nothing about agreeing. Most importantly, it’s about holding on to your hopes, your dreams, your values and your plans."
He said despite being "rattled" by the pressure of central government at times — alluding to changing water regulations and their consequences — he and councillors could have much to be proud of.
A personal highlight had been helping boost local employment through the Mayors Taskforce for Jobs.
