Sir Tim was ‘the ultimate people person’

Sir Tim Shadbolt has been remembered as a man of the people who could lift the spirits of those around him.

The well-known public servant who became a household name during his many years in office died on January 8, aged 78.

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Family, friends and political figures gathered at Invercargill’s Civic Theatre yesterday to commemorate a life which included social activism, long stints at council and even work as a concrete contractor — he once towed a mixer behind his mayoral car.

Reflections were plentiful during a service which lasted more than three and a-half hours.

Cousin Tui Shadbolt delivered the eulogy, describing the former mayor as "the ultimate people person who loved a good debate".

She said he had the ability to lift spirits and mobilise people, was always happy to serve and never stopped advocating for Invercargill.

"Tim showed us that leadership can be joyful, creative, deeply human and achieve great things. Even if he made himself the butt of all his jokes, because he didn’t want to offend."

Rob Shadbolt spoke of his father’s work ethic and adventures with his grandchildren — some of which didn’t always involve them returning home on the expected day — while another son, Ben, was emotional as he recounted the support his father had shown during a tough time.

Struggling at school around the age of 13, Ben told his dad he wanted to drop out, play drums and become a rock star.

"And I just never forget it. Dad just looks at me and goes ‘Oh yeah, how much does a drum kit cost?’," Ben Shadbolt said.

Māori activist and artist Tame Iti also attended and paid homage to his friend’s activism. He said Sir Tim had set up a small team at Bastion Point during the protests.

"My friend, thank you for your support. Thank you for being with us. Thank you for being the man who you are."

Born in Auckland in 1947, Sir Tim attended the University of Auckland and was involved in social activism, for which he was arrested numerous times. At one point, he helped establish a commune.

His long political career included two Waitematā mayoral wins in the 1980s followed by sustained success in the Deep South.

In Invercargill, he backed up a 1993 by-election win with eight full terms from 1998 to 2022.

Across a 29-year period, he lost just twice in the city — once in 1995 and again in 2022, when he was ousted by his deputy, Nobby Clark.

Sir Tim never strayed far from the public eye during his tenure.

He appeared on television shows such as Intrepid Journeys, 7 Days and Dancing With the Stars, plus a cheese advertisement where he famously said "I don’t care where, as long as I’m mayor".

In 2019, he was made a Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to local government and the community.

At the time, he expressed some surprise given his radical background.

He is survived by his partner, four sons and several books including A Mayor of Two Cities and Bullshit and Jellybeans.

• LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.