Ashburton District Councillors have paid tribute to retiring Mayor Neil Brown, describing him as an authentic and democratic leader, with a considered and practical approach.

Mayor Brown leaves after 21 years on local government, the last six as mayor. A new mayor will be declared after voting in the current Local Elections finishes at noon on 11 October.

Deputy Mayor Liz McMillan led the informal valedictory speeches at the final meeting of Council last week, reminding councillors and family members in the chamber that Mayor Brown had been pegged as “a fellow with a bit of nous” when he was first elected in 2004.

She acknowledged his wealth of knowledge accumulated over the years, his fair leadership and desire to build a great team to serve the district.

“Over the last six years you have also cut many ribbons, including for this building Te Whare Whakatere, and you have worked tirelessly to make this district a better place to live, work and play.”

Arowhenua chair Fiona Pimm also wished the mayor well and acknowledged their strong relationship, developed over the past six years.

“We do not agree on everything, but we focus on what we agree on and can achieve together.”

Mayor Brown said he was leaving with a deep sense of pride and gratitude, and that it had been an honour serving the people of Ashburton. “It was a privilege I have never taken lightly.”

In his time as mayor, he was successful in getting Government funding for the second Ashburton bridge, moving the rail shunting yard out of the centre of town, and signing the contract to build Te Whare Whakatere, council’s new library and administration building.

He said the opening of Te Whare Whakatere had been a joyous occasion and he had had a front-row seat watching the community enjoy it.

Mayor Brown acknowledged council’s relationship with Arowhenua had grown too. “Most things we agree on, but not always and that is healthy. But we always talk and that is what partnership is about.”

Also retiring from local government were Cr Leen Braam, Cr Lynette Lovett, Methven Community Board chair Kelvin Holmes and board member Allan Lock.

Cr Braam was elected as a district councillor in 2016 and is retiring after three terms. He moved here from Holland 40 years ago and said the Ashburton District was now a bustling multi-cultural community.

He said a highlight was seeing the Ng King Brothers Chinese market gardens be preserved as a heritage site that the whole community could enjoy.

“We are all different and have been a good team,” he told his fellow councillors. “We respect each other and are all here for the right things, and to do the best for our district.”

Cr Lovett has been an Eastern ward councillor since 2016, and said she would miss her contact with the hard-working volunteers who serve on the district’s hall and reserve board committees.

All councillors have responsibilities as appointees to a variety of boards, trusts and groups in the community.

She said it had been a privilege to be part of a council that adopted a Biodiversity Strategy for the district.

Retiring Methven Community Board chair Kelvin Holmes said he had stuck to some early advice given to him by long-time former councillor Viv Barrett, “that Methven was the centre of the universe”.

A highlight of his time had been opening the town’s new water treatment plant in October 2023, ending the need for boil water notices that plagued Methven after most big rain events.

He said he and fellow retiring board member Allan Lock had been part of a great team that supported each other and did their best for Methven.