Long-serving Dunedin mayor Dave Cull to stand down
Wednesday, 29 May 2019
Dunedin mayor Dave Cull is not seeking reelection as mayor or standing for councillor at this year's local body elections.
'After three years as a councillor and nine full-on years as mayor, it is time to reduce my work demands and the commitments required by them,' he said in a statement.
The 69-year-old noted he would have a 'significant birthday' next year, and wanted to leave the role he had enjoyed to spend more time with his family.
The move means he will also cease his role as Local Government New Zealand president at the 2020 annual general meeting.
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'Thank you to all those – both inside and outside council – who have supported me in the role,' Cull said.
'I have learned and gained an enormous amount from many people and I am proud of what we have collectively achieved.
'I wish the incoming council and mayor all the best in building on those achievements.
Cull's confirmation that he was standing down comes after he delivered a strong speech to a controversial mining conference in Dunedin on Tuesday.
While dozens of protesters clashed with police as they tried to prevent delegates from entering the Dunedin Centre for the annual Minerals Forum, Cull spoke to the industry representatives about fossil fuels.
Cull welcomed the delegates who managed to cross the human blockade, 'not because I support all of the various plans and projects that will be promoted here, but so you can hear why some of those plans are not welcome here'.
'To be clear, if you're promoting fossil fuel exploration, extraction and exploitation – and especially its expansion – then understand you are at odds with this community and my council that represents it,' he told the forum.
Several candidates have put their names forward for the Dunedin mayoralty, including current city councillor Aaron Hawkins.