Mayor Tim to step down this month

Central Otago Mayor Tim Cadogan has advised Central Otago District Council of his intention to resign as mayor on Saturday 26 October 2024 to take up a position in Wellington at the Water Services Regulator, Taumata Arowai as Local Government Engagement Specialist.

In a statement Mayor Cadogan says: “My wife Linda and I decided recently that I would not be seeking a fourth term in October 2025.

“Once that decision was made, I then had to consider when the best time to step aside was. Next year is an LTP (Long-term Plan) year for Council, and I feel that is better led by someone who will be seeking re-election, in order to follow the plan through. I truly believe that now is the best time for both the organisation and from there the community and myself for this change to occur.”

Chief Executive Peter Kelly and the councillors have been informed. Mr Kelly has advised that as Mayor Cadogan’s resignation will not be formally received until after the Local Government Act requires a by-election for a replacement, it will be up to councillors to appoint a mayor within their ranks through until next year’s election (Saturday 11 October 2025): That decision will most likely be made by councillors at a scheduled meeting on Wednesday 30 October 2024, in the days after Mayor Cadogan steps down.

Mayor Cadogan says: “I have absolute faith in fantastic leadership around the council table that means I will be leaving council in great hands into the future year and beyond.

“It has been an absolute privilege to be mayor of this fantastic district, but I want to pass the baton on while I am still running hard, not when my legs have got tired, and now is the best time to do that.”

Tim Cadogan was elected as Central Otago mayor eight years ago and has been re-elected twice, last time unopposed. During his time as mayor, he has led the community through the pandemic, been chair of the Otago Mayoral Forum for five years, sat on two Ministerial Working Groups and is currently the southern zone representative on Local Government New Zealand’s National Council. He has also recently led the districtisation consultation, which last week saw most decisions related to spending removed from the community boards.