Defeated Tauranga councillor Mary Dillon has urged the city to "take a cup of tea for a while" over the controversial museum-on-a-pier project.
The long-serving councillor was given a huge send-off last night at a special ceremony in Baycourt's exhibition hall in which tributes also flowed for the four other councillors
vanquished by the election.
Mrs Dillon used the famous David Lange "cup of tea" quip to show that she had not given up on her vision that a museum would one day get built on Tauranga's downtown waterfront.
Community opposition to the the museum location played a big part in the defeat of Mrs Dillon, along with former councillors Bob Addison, Anne Pankhurst, Bob Tulloch and Terry Molloy.
She said arts and culture were vitally important to Tauranga and the several hundred guests burst into spontaneous applause when she said that lifestyle was about the whole city and more than just beaches.
The invitation-only farewell did not include any of the election's victorious faction - the four Pick 6 councillors led by Murray Guy and Rick Curach.
Mrs Dillon said Tauranga was a really "happening" place and she urged people not to lose sight of the museum.
Her 21 years as a councillor were marked with the presentation by Mayor Stuart Crosby of a painting by nationally recognised Tauranga artist Graham Crow.
At the close of the function, Mrs Dillon gifted her painting back to the city in an act of generosity which drew a gasp from the audience and some baring of emotions.
Mr Crosby farewelled each former councillor in turn, saying that it was not a popularity contest and they had to keep on keeping on.
He said Mrs Dillon's contribution to Tauranga had been unsurpassed: "You of all people understood the value of long-term planning."
Turning to Mr Addison, Mr Crosby said the outgoing councillor did not tolerate fools and foolish comments.
"I always valued your wisdom."
The mayor said Ms Pankhurst was one of the hardest-working councillors and a person who understood urban planning and "connecting up the dot".
He praised Mr Tulloch's fresh and frank point of view, saying he was a councillor who never put up with waffle.
Mr Crosby said Mr Molloy had been an active and committed councillor who was continuing his commitment to the community by joining Greerton Lions Club.
