Fendalton councillor James Gough has delivered his valedictory speech, reflecting on his 15 years on the Christchurch City Council and thanking the community, colleagues, and family for their support.
Gough, who first entered public life at 22 on a community board and became a city councillor at 25, said the decision not to seek re election had been difficult but was the right one.
“Since I announced I would not be seeking re election as a city councillor, I have been deeply touched by the calls, emails, messages, conversations, even the odd letter to the editor wishing me well,” he said. “I had planned to be quite stoic about all this, but the truth is, many of those words have moved me more than I can ever express.”
Councillor James Gough
Gough said serving Christchurch had been one of the great honours of his life. “To have been trusted to help shape Christchurch’s future, especially through some of the most challenging times, is a privilege that I will carry with me forever.”
He recalled joining the council just months before the 2011 earthquake, describing the years that followed as some of the most demanding but rewarding of his career.
“In those dark days and years that followed, I witnessed the very best of Christchurch. Neighbours helped neighbours, communities came together and there was a determination to rise from the rubble stronger than before,” he said. “In the years that followed, we rebuilt not just buildings, pipes and roads, but hope. We helped breathe life back into our communities and our central city. And I still feel very strongly that a city without a strong, vibrant heart is a city without a soul.”
Gough pointed to major decisions such as securing a full 30,000 seat covered stadium at Te Kaha as achievements that would shape the city for generations. He also reflected on smaller but meaningful projects such as the restoration of Mona Vale homestead, local libraries, bridges, playgrounds, and flood protection schemes.
“Leadership is not about monuments, it is about people,” he said. “For 15 years I have tried to show that a strong commercial approach and a compassionate heart can work hand in hand, that economic growth and community good are not opposing forces but partners.”
He thanked fellow councillors, mayors, and council staff for their dedication and collaboration, acknowledging disagreements as well as achievements. He also paid tribute to community leaders, volunteers, and residents who engaged with him over the years.
Gough reserved special thanks for his family. “My wife and our three children have been my rock through all of the long meetings, the late nights, the weekend events. You have sacrificed time with me so that I could serve our city. It is now my turn to be there more for you,” he said.
The councillor said his next focus would be in the private sector, property, and governance, but he also hoped to remain active at the grassroots level through community work.
“Saying farewell to you today as a city councillor, I am filled with mixed emotions. I am really proud, I am really humbled, and yes, I am a little bit sad,” he said. “If I were to sum up my feeling today, it would be one of gratitude.”
“To the Fendalton ward, thank you. To Christchurch, thank you for believing in me all those years ago. Thank you for sticking with me through thick and thin, through earthquakes and aftershocks, through debates and big decisions. Thank you for allowing me the honour to serve you. I hope I have left Christchurch a little better than I found it.”
