Retirement; deputy ready to run

very experienced councillors. That actually will be a significant loss, because cumulatively there are years of experience there . . .’’

Taylor hails from the Awatere and attended Seddon School and Marlborough Girls’ College. For the last 24 years she lived in Picton, with a stint living in Tory Channel too.

Leggett said the role of mayor ‘‘needed a refresh from time-to-time’’.

‘‘Change is good. I could have easily stuck around for another election, [but] if I got across the line I don’t know if I could have given it 100%, which I feel I’ve given the last six years,’’ he said.

‘‘So I just thought it was time to step away. I feel quite relieved and relaxed about it, and I will always be very supportive of the Marlborough District Council, and I’m absolutely backing Nadine, I think she will make an outstanding mayor.’’

Leggett, whose children lived in the northern hemisphere, said he was looking forward to being able to ‘‘pack up and go’’ when he liked.

‘‘I have a lot of connection with them, but at the moment it’s just Facetimes and phone calls. I haven’t seen my daughter for three years.’’

He said working for council was a ‘‘position of privilege’’.

‘‘You get the opportunity of often hearing proposals for the first time, you get the opportunity of making decisions about the direction our district is taking. It’s hugely rewarding.’’

He said one of his ‘‘regrets’’ was that he would not be around to help ‘‘negotiate’’ Marlborough through the number of reforms being undertaken.

‘‘I’ve put a lot of work and effort into understanding all these reforms and how they impact on Marlborough,’’ he said.

‘‘I’ll certainly be taking the chance to go through the submissions process, even if it’s a submission on behalf of John Leggett, and not the Marlborough

District Council.’’

On the streets of Blenheim, residents shared their thoughts after mayor John Leggett announced his retirement.

Mckendry salesperson Paddy Lankshear

said he keeps an eye on politics. ‘‘I am not surprised at all, he has obviously provided good service to the community and good on him for whatever he wants to do next.

‘‘Being mayor is a big commitment to the community, so I guess he has done as much as he feels he can do. He should be proud of his general service,’’ Lankshear said.

Blue Door shop assistant Linda Brimble said she met Leggett a few times at the Picton fire brigade where he presented medals.

‘‘He is very approachable, very chatty. Him and his wife are both lovely.’’

Blenheim retiree Helena Lord said she was surprised about Leggett’s decision to step down. ‘‘I thought he would have had another term. I liked him as a mayor, he has been very fair.’’

This is Public Interest Journalism funded through NZ On Air.