Former Rotorua district councillor Mike McVicker says he has no regrets after more than a decade on council.
In fact, he said his narrow loss in October's election could have been a blessing in disguise.
Mr McVicker said he was initially disappointed after missing out on one of 10 spots on the council.
The last spot was taken by council colleague Karen Hunt who ended up just 138 votes ahead of him after the final result was posted.
Since he's left the council he's lost 3kg, spent a lot more time on his yacht and, along with his partner Kay, has been walking the many trails around Rotorua keeping up his fitness.
"I've done my bit and I have no desire to get back into any of that.
"I didn't enjoy the last term and I don't think I would have enjoyed this one either, particularly the confidential aspect of meetings and I really don't like the way mayor Steve [Chadwick] runs things.
"I occasionally look at the meetings online and it reinforces the fact I've been there and done that - in a way Karen [Hunt] did me a favour."
A staunch opponent of the council's Te Tatau o Te Arawa Board, Mr McVicker said he would still be keeping up his role as a trustee of the Hobson's Pledge trust, led by former National Party leader Don Brash.
"It's been a bit quiet lately, but in the new year we will be rolling out a range of public meetings around New Zealand, including Rotorua.
"The whole point for us is to target the next election and our intention is to support any political party that promotes equality for everyone and helps to eliminate separatist views and the only party doing that at the moment is New Zealand First."
But, in the meantime he'll try and get out on Lake Rotoiti as much as he can on his yacht and continue walking the tracks and trails around the district.
"I still play squash and have a lot of fun with the lads.
"We're also very lucky to have so many beautiful walking tracks around Rotorua too.
"But, I'm very happy, I'll be sticking around Rotorua, enjoying life and losing weight.
"It's been good."