Gore's Mayor has opened up about the emotional toll of months of discord and relationship breakdowns within his council.
The reign of Ben Bell, New Zealand's youngest Mayor, has been tumultuous since being elected in 2022. First, outgoing Mayor Tracy Hicks unsuccessfully demanded a recount, then councillors wanted to vote to get rid of Bell amid a well-documented stoush with council chief executive Stephen Parry.
Bell, who garnered much support from the locals who voted him in - ultimately leading to a failed vote of no confidence in the Mayor - was grateful the stoush was over.
"We just talked it out and talked about our issues, and found a different way that wasn't a vote of no confidence and me getting stripped from the committees," he told The Project on Tuesday.
Bell spoke of how he was voted in "on a mandate for change" and wanted to quickly implement transitions within the council.
"On reflection, I probably could've taken a bit more time to install that change but that's what you learn through a bit of reflection," said Bell.
"[It was] pretty tough. I think coming into this role I expected to learn more about the world as it is and politics, but [I've] definitely learnt more about myself - how to deal with my mental health when it all does get overwhelming."
Watch the full video for more.
