One-term councillor Martin Visser will not be seeking re-election to the Whanganui District Council in October in the expectation of taking up a job overseas.
Mr Visser had applied for a financial controller's position with a Singaporean firm but because confirmation of that job was not expected for another month he was unwilling to commit to the council.
He said to put in his nomination and then withdraw because of changing circumstances would only trigger a by-election and he did not want that.
He said with a young daughter to support he could not sustain himself on the $31,000 councillors salary.
Mr Visser said while it was fine to be of service to the city he had to consider his own personal circumstances and the job offer could not be ignored.