Key Takeaways
- Sir Tim Shadbolt, the former Invercargill and Waitematā mayor, passed away at the age of 78
- He was known for his fearless and charismatic leadership style, as well as his ability to connect with people from all walks of life
- Sir Tim was a prominent figure in New Zealand politics, having been a student radical, activist, and mayor
- He had a significant impact on the city of Invercargill, helping to turn around its fortunes and attract jobs and people to the area
- Sir Tim is remembered by his friends and colleagues as a man with a unique sense of humor and a "landmark smile and laugh"
Introduction to Sir Tim Shadbolt
Sir Tim Shadbolt, a former Invercargill and Waitematā mayor, passed away on Thursday at the age of 78. Comedian Gary McCormick, a lifelong friend of Sir Tim, described him as a fearless and charismatic leader who had a rare gift for winning people over. McCormick remembered Sir Tim’s "landmark smile and laugh" and said that it was impossible for him to be depressed, whether he was in jail, arrested by the police, or undergoing the rigors of a council meeting. According to McCormick, Sir Tim had a strange kind of fearlessness that allowed him to take on anyone, regardless of their position or status.
Sir Tim’s Leadership Style
Sir Tim’s leadership style was characterized by his ability to cut through nonsense and lead by example. He was not afraid to speak his mind and was known for his honesty and integrity. McCormick said that Sir Tim had a unique ability to connect with people from all walks of life, and that he was able to walk into a room and win people over within minutes. This ability to connect with people was a key factor in his success as a mayor and a politician. Sir Tim’s fearlessness and charisma also made him a prominent figure in New Zealand politics, and he was known for his ability to take on any challenge and do it with good humor.
Sir Tim’s Impact on Invercargill
The former chief executive of Invercargill City Council, Richard King, said that Sir Tim was central to efforts to turn around the city’s fortunes. Invercargill was once the fastest-declining city in Australasia, but Sir Tim helped to attract jobs and people to the area. He championed free tertiary fees, which had a huge boost to the city, and helped to create a more vibrant and dynamic community. King said that Sir Tim loved people and was the kind of man who would "give you the shirt off his back." He was able to connect with anyone within minutes, and his ability to do so was a key factor in his success as a mayor and a politician.
Tributes to Sir Tim
Former prime minister Helen Clark described Sir Tim as "one of the great characters of his generation." She remembered him from his days as a student activist on the Auckland University campus in the late 1960s, where he formed a political party called the Auckland University Society for the Active Prevention of Cruelty to Politically Apathetic Humans (AUSA POCPAH). Clark said that Sir Tim would take on any cause or role fearlessly, and that he always had the courage to give things a go. She also remembered his sense of humor and his ability to do crazy things. McCormick also paid tribute to Sir Tim, saying that his death marked a sad day for New Zealand. He remembered Sir Tim’s "landmark smile and laugh" and said that he would be deeply missed.
Conclusion
Sir Tim Shadbolt was a unique and charismatic figure in New Zealand politics. His fearless and charismatic leadership style, as well as his ability to connect with people from all walks of life, made him a prominent figure in the country. His impact on the city of Invercargill was significant, and he helped to turn around its fortunes and create a more vibrant and dynamic community. Sir Tim will be remembered by his friends and colleagues as a man with a unique sense of humor and a "landmark smile and laugh." His legacy will live on, and he will be deeply missed by those who knew him and worked with him.