Tauranga City's current Deputy Mayor is throwing his hat back in the ring for another shot at the position in 2016 following Mayor Stuart Crosby's announcement he will not be re-standing.

Stuart confirmed to SunLive today that he will not seek re-election in the next local body elections and is instead looking to pursue other endeavours.

Current Mayor Stuart Crosby and Deputy Mayor Kelvin Clout after the 2013 elections.

He was elected for a fourth term in the October 2013 local body elections winning the vote from Kelvin Clout by 502 votes. Kelvin polled with 10,088 votes to Stuart's 10,590.

In the 2011 election Stuart polled 16,586 with a margin of 12,301 ahead of his closest contender Murray Guy with 4285 votes.

'There has been much to learn in the past four months and I am relishing the challenge and opportunities associated with being an elected member and Deputy Mayor,” says Kelvin.

'Council governance and management is in a very healthy place; we are working together as a united team for the betterment of Tauranga City, including the development of our new city vision, which is soon to be launched.

'We do not always agree on how best to address the city's issues, but I have great admiration for Stuart and the resilience he has shown over many years.

"He has successfully dealt with major flooding events, the global financial crisis, the Rena disaster and often a dysfunctional council.”

Kelvin reasserts his commitment to working with Stuart throughout the current three year term and says he's excited about the realisation of Tauranga City's amazing economic and social potential, and his contribution to its governance.

Kelvin acknowledges the great support he receives from wife Kathryn, and family, and the many other friends and colleagues who make it possible for him to stand for this important public office.