Whakatāne district mayor Tony Bonne has announced his retirement from local government.
Bonne, who will step down at the conclusion of the current triennium, made the announcement to a packed audience attending the council's annual Over-80's Christmas morning tea today.
Bonne said after serving the community for 18 years - 12 of those as mayor - it was time for new blood to come through.
![Whakatāne mayor Tony Bonne. Photo / Supplied](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/resizer/v2/L4OUOF4BX6XBCPBSDBXPBFAXU4.jpg?auth=b2aeb75606383e184fed8d0f17aa75eb7df751f507fc22d814911f7b511f5674&width=16&height=12&quality=70&smart=true)
"It will give me more time to devote to Linda and my family, and provide an opportunity to take on a new challenge.