Southland's district mayor and his deputy are both backing councillor Rob Scott to take the chains next October, after confirming they won't stand themselves. 

Mayor Gary Tong and deputy Ebel Kremer both plan to step down in 2022. 

Tong, who has been mayor for eight years, says he always only planned to serve two terms, while Kremer has taken the decision for personal reasons. 

But to ensure some succession planning, they've both shoulder-tapped first term Lumsden councillor Scott, encouraging him to throw his hat into the ring.

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Tong says: "I'd give him top marks for his commitment not only to his community but also the greater Southland. 

"He's an extremely good bloke. 

"It's no secret that local government work can be taxing, and I acknowledge Rob, and his partner Jane's commitment, to take Southland forward, if he's elected of course."

Southland mayor Gary Tong

Kremer was widely expected to become mayor following Tong's departure. 

But the Mararoa Waimea ward councillor confirmed yesterday he'll step away from local body politics next year.  

Tong says he supported him through his mayoralty, which included time recovering from a major heart attack. 

"He's been very committed and done a hell of a lot in the time he's been there," Tong says. 

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"He's a well respected councillor and I understand his reasons."

Kremer, from Te Anau, says it was a difficult decision. 

"I certainly enjoy the council work and being able to help residents across Southland, and I've had support from individuals and communities. 

"So, it's not been taken lightly, but it's for personal reasons and there's nothing untoward with my fellow councillors, or the mayor, or council staff, or anything like that, I have good relationship with all of them."

Deputy mayor Ebel Kremer

Kremer says he made the decision a few months ago and spoke to Scott at that time to see if he was interested in stepping up. 

"I'd been watching him for a while, and once I'd made the decision I thought then that I've got to start thinking about someone I could support and have confidence in. 

"He stood out for me and he's pretty keen to step up. Nothing's guaranteed, of course, but at least there's someone who has showed potential."

Kremer says it is a challenging time for Southland District Council, highlighting the issue of road and bridge maintenance, three waters planning, and new environmental regulations.

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Scott, 41, is married with two children, and owns the Route 6 Cafe in Lumsden, and the fine art printing business Canvart. 

While it is his first term on council, he's served terms on the Lumsden Community Board, after moving down from Wellington in 2006. 

Scott says: "The support [from Tong and Kremer] has formed part of my decision.

"I didn't come on to council with the ambition to be mayor, not straight away anyway. 

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"But I had quite a few approaches from people saying I should put my hat in the ring, and it all just clicked into place. 

"It is a challenging time for Southland District Council. I think my background on the community board, the work I do in the community, and also the relationships I have with people, the network, will help me. And the passion I have for Southland too, because I just want to see Southland be the best it can be. 

"There's a year now to get things ramped up, there's a wee bit of time, but I don't want it to get in my way of being a councillor, that's my number one focus."

Tong said there was still work to do for the council in the last triennium but the majority of that had now been ticked off.

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"So I'm extremely proud to stand down and let someone else step into the role, because new ideas are always good. 

"Southland has been very much part of my life, not only through the mayoral role but as a policeman as well. I'm proud of what of what Southland and Southlanders have achieved."