Photo: RNZ/ Tess Brunton
Invercargill's mayor is set to return to official duties next week while recovering from heart surgery in early January.
Nobby Clark was admitted to hospital after suffering a heart attack in late December, but said he was feeling good and ready to get back to work.
"It's been a long road to recovery - but I'm well rested and up for the challenges ahead," Clark said.
Council chief executive Michael Day said he was relieved the mayor had made such a remarkable recovery.
"We are heartened by Mayor Clark's enthusiasm to return to his role and welcome him back," Day said.
He thanked deputy mayor Tom Campbell for taking on the mayoral role for the past two months.
"His time and effort have been greatly appreciated by council staff and the greater community."