Cr MacKenzie's reign was punctuated by a bitter council split and frequent criticisms by opponents and vocal ratepayers.

He admitted to the Newcastle Herald yesterday that he was the type of mayor some people hated.

"I'm the sort of person that attracts criticism because I'm out there doing things, and out there doing things that don't always please everybody," Cr MacKenzie said.

"It's like water off a duck's back."

Rumblings of discontent were first heard when Cr MacKenzie used the support of his faction to push through a $4 million loan to fund road and drainage works in November 2008.

It was an indication he was taking control of the council's strategic direction, which did not sit well with the group of councillors left outside his circle of influence.

Since then the two groups have butted heads constantly, mostly on development matters. The bitterness has grown into personal attacks, attempts by both factions to white ant opponents, and about 25 conduct complaints.

Cr MacKenzie said he didn't care about "personal popularity" and made no apology for his forthright style, or bending planning guidelines when he didn't agree with them.

"I've worked with dozens and dozens of small people who want to do things," he said.

"Ninety per cent of people got satisfaction. I've helped them, which I love doing.

"For every one who complains, there's 30 who tell me 'you're doing a good job'."

He will walk away from the mayor's job on Tuesday to honour a deal with his deputy Bob Westbury and will remain a councillor.

But he said this would not be the latest chapter in a colourful 40-year local government career that had its share of controversy.

Cr MacKenzie quit the council twice, in 1972 and 1986, and both times renominated for the subsequent election. He did a u-turn on a decision to quit in 1991, and his retirement in 1999 lasted nine years.

As for 2012, when Port Stephens residents will popularly elect their mayor for the first time:

"If I'm still alive, and still healthy and as fit as I am now, I'll run."