Key Takeaways:
- Tim Shadbolt served as the Mayor of Invercargill for 24 consecutive years, from 1993 to 2019, and previously as Mayor of Waitemata from 1983 to 1989.
- He was a prominent figure in New Zealand politics, known for his charismatic personality and ability to attract publicity.
- Shadbolt was a student radical in the 1960s and 70s, and was arrested 33 times for his involvement in protests against the Vietnam War.
- He was a champion for Invercargill and Southland, and worked to promote the region as a place to live and visit.
- Shadbolt’s personal life was marked by controversy, including a defamation suit and allegations of violence against his former wife.
Introduction to Tim Shadbolt
Tim Shadbolt is a well-known figure in New Zealand politics, having served as the Mayor of Invercargill for 24 consecutive years. However, his journey to becoming one of the country’s longest-serving mayors was not without its challenges. Before becoming mayor, Shadbolt had a varied career, including working as a plasterer’s laborer and being involved in student radical movements. He first served as Mayor of Waitemata from 1983 to 1989, before being elected as Mayor of Invercargill in 1993.
Early Life and Career
Shadbolt was born in Auckland in 1947, and his early life was marked by tragedy when his father, a pilot, was killed in a training flight when Shadbolt was just five years old. His mother, Josien, was of Dutch heritage and had arrived in New Zealand aged 18. She took her sons to Holland after her husband’s death, but later returned to New Zealand, where Shadbolt attended Blockhouse Bay School and became a foundation pupil at Rutherford College. Shadbolt’s mother remarried a refugee from Czechoslovakia, whom Shadbolt loathed, but he credited his step-father for teaching him to work hard.
Student Radical and Early Politics
Shadbolt developed a national profile as a student radical in the 1960s and 70s, and was especially active in the movement against the Vietnam War. He was president of the Auckland University Society for the Active Prevention of Cruelty to Politically Apathetic Humans, and was arrested 33 times, including twice for using the word "bullshit" in a speech. Shadbolt’s early politics were marked by controversy, and he was known for his charismatic personality and ability to attract publicity.
Mayoral Career
Shadbolt’s mayoral career was marked by both success and controversy. He was first elected as Mayor of Waitemata in 1983, and served two terms before being elected as Mayor of Invercargill in 1993. He served 24 consecutive years as Mayor of Invercargill, but his last two terms were dogged by a defamation suit and an investigation by the Department of Internal Affairs into conflicts at the council. Despite this, Shadbolt remained a champion for Invercargill and Southland, and worked to promote the region as a place to live and visit.
Personal Life and Controversy
Shadbolt’s personal life was marked by controversy, including a defamation suit taken out against him by a fellow councillor, Karen Arnold. He was also accused of violence by his former wife, Miriam Cameron, who detailed several serious episodes of violence at his hands in the 1970s and 80s. Shadbolt has been open about his personal struggles, including his struggles with debt and his need to seek re-election in 2022 to pay off his lawyers’ bills.
Later Life and Legacy
Despite the challenges he faced, Shadbolt remained a prominent figure in New Zealand politics until his retirement. He appeared as a celebrity guest on several TV shows, including "The Weakest Link" and "Dancing with the Stars", and had a small part in the movie "The World’s Fastest Indian". Shadbolt’s legacy is complex, and he will be remembered for both his charismatic personality and his controversies. However, his dedication to Invercargill and Southland is undeniable, and he will be remembered as a champion for the region.