Tararua councillors are "pretty good" at attending meetings

The majority of Tararua District councillors have been "pretty good" in attending workshops and monthly meetings, district mayor Roly Ellis says.

"We've never really had a problem with attendance," he said. "Yes, some may have missed a morning workshop, but the only really acceptable excuse for missing a monthly council meeting as far as I'm concerned, is a death in the family or if someone is ill."

Mr Ellis said he had only missed one council day [morning workshop/afternoon council meeting] in his six years as mayor - because of ear surgery.

"There's no requirement for councillors to attend citizenship ceremonies, it tends to be up to the councillors in each particular ward," he said.

South ward councillor and deputy mayor Bill Keltie has the lowest attendance at council.

"It's because of my work commitments," he said. "I've a fulltime job and council meetings are during the day time, so I have a conflict of time."

Mr Keltie is not seeking re-election, saying it was time for some new blood.

"Council needs someone a bit younger," he said.

Mr Keltie has served four terms on the district council and admits he'll miss the role.

"Shivers, yes, I'll miss it, although the last three years have been hard," he said.

"We've had the Infracon saga and I wanted to see all the water upgrades completed.

"One of the main reasons I got on to council was to see the upgrade of the Pahiatua Track, like councillors before me. However, that's an ongoing saga too."