I could be accused of breaking a promise to myself by having this last column on The Central App today as I had promised myself that, on ceasing being Mayor, I would not become one of those ex-politicians who clings to some self-delusion of continued relevancy by writing columns or Letters to the Editor well after their time is up.  

But as I’m writing this while I am still the Mayor, I reckon I’m not breaching my own rule.

As you read it though, I could well be in the skies already heading to our new life in Wellington.  

I am sometimes a betting man, and I don’t reckon there is anyone would give me odds that I won’t be a bit of a mess, the only question is how much.  

And that’s ok, because I am leaving a job and a place I love deeply.

All week I have been having an internal battle between my logical brain and my emotional brain.  

Logically, I know that leaving the role of mayor now is the best thing for the council and for me and my family.  

For the council, having someone committed to running for the role of Mayor next year leading the LTP is the only thing that makes sense.  

For Linda and I, it’s time for a new challenge, and some more time together.  

And all that falls to pieces as soon as emotional brain perks up, but that’s who I am and there’s not much I can do about that.

Thank you so much for the honour of being your Mayor and of being part of this magnificent community for the last 30 years.  

Life has its ups and downs and I’ve been through my share of both in the three decades here, but along that journey, I have always remembered how fortunate I have been to face life’s challenges in such a great place with such great people.  

I think that’s something all of us in Central Otago should remind ourselves of on a regular basis.

Take care and see you in a few years.