After 15 years in office, Grey District Mayor Tony Kokshoorn is hanging up his mayoral robe.
He's become one of the most-loved local body leaders in the country, as well as one of the longest-running.
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Kokshoorn was thrust onto the international stage following the West Coast's Pike River Mine tragedy in 2011, where 29 men died.
With his last days in office drawing to a close, he told The AM Show on Wednesday it was time to spend more time with his family.
"I don't want to be a grumpy old mayor that gets booted out in the end anyway."
He also spoke of the challenges the West Coast has faced in the wake of the Pike River Mine disaster.
Watch the video.
Newshub.
