Ashburton District Councillor Rob Mackle is taking an extended leave of absence until May.

Ashburton Mayor Neil Brown approved his request for leave for personal reasons until May 6.

Unlike paid employees, elected members do not get entitlements to prescribed holiday or sick leave, and from time to time extended leave is required, Brown said.

“While on formal extended leave of absence, payment of remuneration to the elected member will cease.”

As the period of leave requires total absence, Mackle won’t be undertaking any duties, formal or informal or representing the council on any issue.

Mackle attended Wednesday's meeting where the draft long-term plan was adopted before starting his leave period.

He will miss the entire long-term plan consultation period - March 27 to April 28.

During that time the council has a plethora of community engagement events around the district, with at least one councillor scheduled to attend each one.

Mackle will still be provided with all the provided council meeting and long-term plan consultation documentation.

Following his return in May, the council has the long-term plan hearings and deliberations before the scheduled adoption of the plan on June 16.

Mackle was elected to the council last year in a by-election in the Western Ward following the death of second-term councillor Rodger Letham in December.

Since being sworn in on May 17 last year, he has attended 70% (12 out of 17) of the council meetings.

By Jonathan Leask