Mackenzie District Mayor Anne Munro speaks to reporters as heavy rain causes flooding in the South Island on 21 September, 2023. Photo: RNZ / Nathan Mckinnon
The mayor of the Mackenzie District has revealed she is battling cancer.
In a statement on Tuesday, Anne Munro said she was diagnosed shortly before Christmas, and will be stepping away from public duties as she undergoes treatment.
Deputy Mayor Karen Morgan will take over mayoralty responsibilities in the meantime.
"I know that council is in safe hands in my absence," Munro said.
"While I acknowledge that the mayoralty is a public role, I would appreciate being given some space and privacy for the next few months, while my family and I come to terms with what lies ahead of us.
"I know that so many in our community have had their lives impacted by cancer, and that you will understand some of what we are going through."
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