After 27 years in local government, deputy mayor and Cromwell councillor Neil Gillespie gave his final speech around the Central Otago District Council decision-making table on Wednesday (September 24). 

Neil spoke of his first – unsuccessful - foray into politics – falling short of election to the Cromwell Community Board in 1995. 

Not letting that “put him off”, he returned three years later, and he never looked back. 

From the start, his key motivation was ensuring Central Otago remained a place his kids could return to, with the same opportunities and benefits he and his wife Joy had enjoyed. 

He joked he had “outlasted” five council chief executives, but whether or not Neil stays in local government will now be decided by voters – he has thrown his hat in the ring for election to Otago Regional Council. 

Reflecting on changes over his tenure, Neil warned of the “significant” levels of misinformation in the community at present. 

“I think it’s bad for democracy,” he said. 

“It’s too easy for people to have an opinion, backed up by nothing, without knowing, or make outrageous comments.” 

He spoke of the pressure on his family – particularly his children – of having “the old man being part of an organisation that people love to hate”, advising would-be councillors of the potential impact of public office on loved ones. 

“My kids found themselves, on more than one occasion, defending things about the council,” he said. 

He hopes Central Otago voters come out this election “in big numbers”. 

Mayor Tamah Alley described Neil as a “deputy mayor extraordinaire”, acknowledging his “steady hand” and “deep knowledge of local government”. 

“Your eye for detail, to spot a loophole, an unintended consequence, an obscure past decision or slight misalignment with a policy leaves shoes that will be very hard to fill,” she said. 

Tamah also thanked two other departing councillors – fourth term Cromwell councillor Nigel McKinlay and first term Teviot Valley councillor Sally Feinerman – for their contributions. 

She commended Nigel’s “business mind” and his “ability to debate in a respectful manner”. 

“But what I think we will miss the most is your sharp wit, your oratory skills and your merciless taunting of Councillor Duncan that has led to some hilarious exchanges.” 

Of Sally, the mayor said, “I wish we could bottle and sell your community spirit and generosity”. 

“Your thoughtful contributions have consistently brought the voice of the Teviot Valley community to the table in a way that is grounded, respectful and practical.” 

Sally said after nine years of serving her community – she sat on the community board for two terms prior to stepping up to council – the decision to leave was not one she made lightly. 

“I’m incredibly grateful for the journey – the highs, the lows, the hard calls, the laughs and the lessons.” 

She recalled the 2017 floods, where she “saw firsthand how our people came together in a time of crisis”, and the fire that resulted in the loss of the Roxburgh Entertainment Centre just this year. 

Nigel congratulated those around the table for their ability to work together. 

“Thank you for your professionalism, for being prepared to agree to disagree on an issue, and maintain respect and politeness,” he said, addressing the mayor and his fellow councillors. 

“We’ve had a council that functions well, and when you look around elsewhere you treasure that a wee bit.” 

His final message was for the electorate: “Value your vote”. 

“Democracy, I believe, is the bedrock of our community.” 

Meanwhile, in her final mayoral report for the triennium, Tamah listed council achievements: work progressing on the Cromwell events centre and Plan Change 19, the Alexandra Library refurbishment, the Clyde water treatment plant, and a record number of submissions on a Long Term Plan among them. 

“Each decision has been about balancing today’s needs with tomorrow’s opportunities,” she said. 

“We’ve continued to put people at the heart of our planning, and I’m sure that will remain a cornerstone of this council’s work.” 

Cromwell councillors Sarah Browne and Cheryl Laws, Vincent councillors Martin McPherson, Tracy Paterson, Ian Cooney, and Lynley Claridge, and Maniototo councillor Stu Duncan are all standing for re-election to contested council seats, alongside Tamah, who is fighting for her district leadership spot against two mayoral alternatives. 

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