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Norm Withers said his late mother Nan Withers would be looking down on him with a degree of pride after he was chosen as deputy mayor on Wednesday.
In 1997 Cr Withers' then 71-year-old mother was violently attacked at his Wairakei Rd menswear store - an incident which drew national attention and led him to launch a referendum at the 1999 election calling for tougher jail sentences, and eventually into a career in local body politics.
Cr Withers said his mother passed away six years ago next March, and he said he visited her grave and his father's each fortnight in the war section at the Ruru Lawn Cemetery.
"I miss her terribly. We had a great relationship, as she did with my two daughters. It's a shame she didn't get to see her two grandchildren."
The date he became deputy mayor, October 24, was significant too because it was the 20th anniversary of the death of his aunt and godmother, Colleen Bearman.
"She always rang me on my birthday, and her daughter, Denise Love, called me from Australia on the day I became deputy mayor."
Another person Cr Withers thought would be looking down on him with pride was former fellow councillor and friend, the late Graham Condon.
"I've still not come to terms with the fact he will not be round the council table."
Cr Withers said two other councillors "put their hands up" for the deputy mayoralty, Bob Shearing and Gail Sheriff. He won unanimously in a secret ballot.
He has pledged strong support to new mayor Bob Parker.
"We did agree I'd support Bob whenever possible."
