Invercargill City Council has acknowledged the death of the city’s longest-serving mayor, Sir Tim Shadbolt.

Sir Tim passed away peacefully this morning. He was 78 years old.

Sir Tim, who was awarded the Knight Companion of New Zealand Order of Merit in the 2019 New Year’s Honours List, served eight terms as Invercargill Mayor (between 1993 and 1995, and again between 1998 and 2022): making him one of the longest-serving mayors in New Zealand.

Invercargill Mayor Tom Campbell said he extended his deep condolences to the family, friends, and loved ones of Sir Tim, on behalf of the entire community.

“Sir Tim served an incredible eight terms as Mayor of Invercargill, and he leaves an enormous legacy within our community. He was widely known, not only for his genuine pride in our community and the people within it, but equally for his colourful personality, infectious enthusiasm, and his tireless advocacy for Invercargill – both locally and throughout the country. His absence will be deeply felt,” he said.

“Sir Tim’s political activism from the 1960s and 1970s shaped his strong sense of civic leadership and committment. It was that lifelong affinity for supporting the causes in which he believed that helped Sir Tim become one of the most tireless champions of Invercargill. While our city was not originally the place he called home, Invercargill will always be proud to claim him as one of its own.

“I did not have the opportunity to serve alongside him during his time on Council, but I recognise the profound impact of Sir Tim’s leadership across multiple terms, and the many relationships he built with Councillors, staff, and community members through his many years of service. Sir Tim’s enduring legacy has shaped the city we are today,” Campbell said.

Among Sir Tim’s many achievements, some of those that were particularly profound included his fierce support for Invercargill Airport – he long called for it to be made an international airport, and served as Mayor when direct flights between the city and

Auckland were first introduced in 2019 – as well as his championship of the Southern Institute of Technology’s ‘fees free’ policy. Both had played pivotal roles in revitalising the region’s economy, Campbell said.

“It was while he was campaigning for his second stint as Invercargill Mayor that Sir Tim promised to put Invercargill on the map. There are very few people who could claim to have done that in a more genuine or memorable way than Sir Tim.”

Invercargill City Council Chief Executive Michael Day said the organisation honoured the significant contribution Sir Tim had made to the city and its people.

“On behalf of Invercargill City Council and the many staff who worked with Sir Tim throughout his years of service to our city, I extended my sincere condolences to his loved ones.

“Many Councillors, Council staff, and community members had the opportunity to work closely with Sir Tim during his tenure as Mayor, and experienced first-hand his energy, conviction, and committment to his community. His legacy is one that will endure across generations,” Day said.

“Sir Tim was a true advocate for our community. His strong sense of pride, his life in public service, and his political activisim helped shape our city. Sir Tim will forever be remembered as a defining figure in our city’s history and he will be deeply missed by many.”

Funeral service details will be announced once confirmed.

The Coat of Arms flag will be flown at half-mast at Invercargill City Council to mark Sir Tim’s contribution to the city. A Book of Condolence will be available for members of the public to sign, both at Te Hīnaki Civic Building and the Bluff Service Centre. Comments paying tribute to Sir Tim on Council’s social media accounts will also be compiled.

Floral tributes to Sir Tim can be left at the Blade of Grass sculpture outside Te Hīnaki in Esk St. The public is asked to avoid using plastic or non-biodegradable wrapping for these, so that floral tributes can later be composted by Council’s Parks team at an appropriate time. The Archives team will be responsible for preserving any cards or correspondence left with floral tributes to Sir Tim.

© Scoop Media