Tauranga mayor Tenby Powell is taking medical leave, after being diagnosed with prostate cancer

He'll go on leave later this month to have surgery, with the goal of returning to his duties as soon as he can in the New Year.

Speaking to the Bay of Plenty Times, Powell says the time away will be a chance to recover from what he says is the "toxicity" of the Council.

Powell had careers in the military and business and featured on the Rich List with his wife, entrepreneur Sharon Hunter, before he was elected mayor of Tauranga a year ago.

Deputy mayor Tina Salisbury will step up in his absence.