Mr McLachlan has been offered a new job following his passion, meaning he now doesn't have the time needed to devote to the board.
While I do not know Mr McLachlan, I have no doubt he did not make the decision lightly, and he will undoubtedly make a valuable contribution to Maori education in his new role.
Yet on the flip side, it is a little disappointing. Not least because it could cost the council, therefore ratepayers, $19,000.
When people stand in local body elections they are aware it's a three-year commitment. There will likely be those that believe that commitment should be honoured to the end, barring exceptional circumstances - and I do have some sympathy for that argument.
But realistically, stuff happens in life, priorities change. Surely we would rather have elected representatives who are able to give their best to their role rather than someone being torn in a million directions due to other commitments.
But it's left me in a strange state of indecision.
The ratepayer in me thinks it would be handy if just one person was nominated, saving on byelection costs. Yet the supporter of democracy in me hopes there are a bevy of qualified candidates vying for the spot. I guess we'll just have to wait until September 5 to find out.