Wayne Brown was gracious in defeat on Saturday, when it became clear that his bid for a third term as the Far North's Mayor would not be successful.
He issued a statement a little before 1.30pm, saying he had contacted his successor, John Carter, to congratulate him.
"I'm sure he'll do his best for the Far North, and I've told him I'm only a phone call away if he wants any support," he said.
"A huge thank you to my supporters who have helped with the campaign, and a special thanks to my wife Toni, who has stuck by me through both the good times and the challenges that come with being Mayor," he added.
"We've accomplished a lot over the past six years, such as the fabulous Te Ahu Centre, the Coast to Coast Cycleway, the excellent new Kerikeri Sports Complex and a host of infrastructure upgrades right across the district.
