UPDATED: 3.18PM: Kelvin Clout's return as deputy mayor was one of the worst kept secrets at the new city council's first meeting.

Following mayor Greg Brownless' swearing in and acceptance, the councillors took turns in alphabetical order thanking their families for support, those who elected them, and what they are looking forward to grappling with over the next three years.

Greg Brownless with his partner Li-Jong Liao and his mum.

At Kelvin's turn, third after Larry Baldock and Leanne Brown, he said he is happy to once again be the city's Deputy Mayor.

'In terms of the mayoral race I have been the bridesmaid twice now but I'm quite happy to hold the mayoral bouquet when required, so I will continue to do that,” says Kelvin.

'I enjoyed working with mayor Stuart Crosby and supporting him, and I will certainly continue to do so under mayor Greg Brownless.”

This followed a speech by Mayor Greg Brownless who says his 92-year-old mother who was present, now calls herself a very proud M.O.M – Mother of Mayor. He also thanked his partner Li-Jong for the diet that has already diminished his figure.

Greg hopes to see improved communication between the council and the community, saying that while ratepayers complain about the $2000 to $3000 they may be paying in rates they are at the same time paying $15,000 or more to central government in taxes.

'We need to make it clear where our money is actually spent,” says Greg.

He also referred to 'millions and millions” of dollars in increased a GST going to the government from tourism in the regions, but none of the money is funneled back to promote the economies in the regions that are generating it.

He followed that with a list of the attributes he sees individual councillors bringing to the city council over the next three years.

Earlier:

Tauranga's Kelvin Clout has kept his title as deputy mayor.

The announcement was made during the swearing in ceremony of the new Tauranga City Council.

Kelvin thanked Greg Brownless for his confidence in him during his speech at the Tauranga City Council chambers this afternoon.

"The last three years I feel as if I have grown into the job."

The results of the Tauranga City Council elections were released on October 8.

Former councillors Larry Baldock and Terry Molloy were elected into the council this year after not being successful in the previous election.

Former Chamber of Commerce chief executive Max Mason also made it onto the council.

Leanne Brown, Steve Morris, Catherine Stewart, Kelvin Clout, Rick Curach and Gail McIntosh are also being sworn in this afternoon.

The first official meeting of the new council will be held on November 22, when elected members will adopt their code of conduct, standing orders and the governance structure.

The first normal business council meeting will be held on December 6.

Gail McIntosh with her friend.

Leanne Brown having some fun in the background.

Steve Morris and Leanne Brown.

Max and Helen Mason.

Larry Baldock.

Rick Curach and Bill Grainger.

Terry Molloy.