Key Takeaways
- Sir Tim Shadbolt, a former Invercargill and Waitematā mayor, has passed away at the age of 78.
- He was one of the longest-serving mayors in New Zealand, serving eight terms as Invercargill Mayor and two terms as Waitematā Mayor.
- Sir Tim was awarded the Knight Companion of New Zealand Order of Merit in the 2019 New Year’s Honours List.
- He was known for his kind heart, his devotion to promoting the City of Invercargill, and his commitment to the people of Southland.
- Sir Tim’s legacy will be remembered for generations to come, with the Invercargill Airport terminal building being named after him last year.
Introduction to Sir Tim Shadbolt
Sir Tim Shadbolt, a former Invercargill and Waitematā mayor, has passed away at the age of 78. He was one of the longest-serving mayors in New Zealand, serving eight terms as Invercargill Mayor between 1993 and 1995, and again between 1998-2022, and two terms as Waitematā Mayor between 1983 and 1989. Sir Tim was awarded the Knight Companion of New Zealand Order of Merit in the 2019 New Year’s Honours List for his services to local government and the community. His partner, Asha Dutt, described him as a kind-hearted man who cared deeply about the people around him and was a champion for the underdog.
Tributes to Sir Tim Shadbolt
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon paid tribute to Sir Tim, writing on social media that "few New Zealanders have given such devoted public service as Sir Tim." He described Sir Tim as a man who served Southlanders and Aucklanders for decades with a smile on his face and a distinctive charm. The Invercargill City Council also paid tribute to Sir Tim, saying that he was a huge advocate for Invercargill and tirelessly championed for its people. His impact and legacy will be remembered for generations to come. The council noted that Sir Tim was known for "putting Invercargill on the map" and that the Invercargill Airport terminal building was officially named the Sir Tim Shadbolt Terminal last year in his honor.
Sir Tim’s Career and Achievements
Sir Tim was born in Auckland in 1947 and attended Rutherford High and Auckland University. He first came to national prominence in the 1960s as a student activist on issues like the Vietnam war and apartheid. He worked as a concrete contractor and was a member of the Auckland Regional Council. In 1983, Sir Tim was elected mayor of Waitematā, and spent a colorful and at times controversial six years in the job. He was also interested in national politics, standing as the New Zealand First candidate for the Selwyn byelection in 1994 and appearing on the party list for the Aotearoa Legalise Cannabis Party in 1996. Sir Tim was known for his ability to communicate effectively, saying in an interview that being a good politician required people to "communicate in all ways." He was a talented public speaker and debater, and was able to connect with people from all walks of life.
Personal Life and Legacy
Sir Tim’s family has requested privacy during this time, and funeral service details will be announced once confirmed. He is survived by his partner, Asha Dutt, who described him as a kind-hearted man who cared deeply about the people around him. Sir Tim’s legacy will be remembered for generations to come, with his commitment to the people of Southland and his passion for life leaving a lasting impact on the community. He was a true champion of the underdog, and his advocacy for the people of Invercargill will never be forgotten. As the Invercargill City Council said, "the former Mayor was known for ‘putting Invercargill on the map’ and to honour this legacy, the Invercargill Airport terminal building was officially named the Sir Tim Shadbolt Terminal last year." Sir Tim’s passing is a sad loss for the community, but his memory will live on through the countless lives he touched and the legacy he leaves behind.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Sir Tim Shadbolt was a remarkable individual who dedicated his life to serving the people of New Zealand. His kind heart, his devotion to promoting the City of Invercargill, and his commitment to the people of Southland will never be forgotten. He was a true champion of the underdog, and his advocacy for the people of Invercargill will always be remembered. As the Prime Minister said, "few New Zealanders have given such devoted public service as Sir Tim." His legacy will continue to inspire future generations, and his memory will live on through the countless lives he touched. Sir Tim Shadbolt may be gone, but he will never be forgotten.