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Sir Timothy Richard Shadbolt KNZM JP (19 February 1947 – 8 January 2026) was a New Zealand politician. Having been an activist in his youth, he went on to serve as mayor of Waitemata City from 1983 to 1989 and then to serve as mayor of Invercargill from 1993 to 1995 and 1998 to 2022; during his term as the latter he became a national icon and a major figure of the city. His term as mayor of both cities extending over 32 years made him one of the longest-serving mayors in New Zealand history.

Key Information

Early life

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Shadbolt was born in the Auckland suburb of Remuera on 19 February 1947.[3] His father died in a flying accident in 1952. He was on the school council and appointed prefect.[4] Shadbolt became a founding student of Rutherford College, Auckland, and attended the University of Auckland from 1966 to 1970, taking a year off in 1967 to work on the Manapouri Power Project in Southland. He was a member of the Auckland University Students Association executive, and editor of Craccum in 1972.

Activism

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During the late 1960s and early 1970s, he became prominent in the Progressive Youth Movement, a radical left-wing organisation, and was arrested 33 times during political protests.[5]

In the mid-1970s, he founded a commune and concrete cooperative at Huia, later moving to Glen Eden with his family.[6]

Local politics

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Waitemata mayoralty

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Shadbolt claimed he stood for Mayor of Waitemata City in 1983 because he did not want to see the incumbent Tony Covic re-elected unopposed. He won the election, receiving 1,200 more votes than Covic.[6] He famously celebrated, much to some people's disgust, by towing his concrete mixer (named "Karl Marx"[7]) behind the mayoral Daimler in the 1983 Henderson Christmas parade.[8][9] Shadbolt's election represented the deep cynicism that many voters had felt about the Waitemata City Council, which was known for in-fighting.[6]

In 1986, Shadbolt created Tim's Team, a political ticket of young, liberal councillors.[6] Shadbolt's re-election was widely successful, improving voter turnout in 1980 from 16% of voters to 70% in 1986; the highest ever turnout for a local election in New Zealand.[6] During this three-year term, Shadbolt connected Titirangi and Laingholm to the city's main sewage system.[6] Shadbolt envisioned a large-scale stadium located on undeveloped coastal land at Te Atatū Peninsula called the Kiwi Dome, as a way to develop the economy of Waitemata City, which was never developed.[6] During his term as mayor he became infamous by twice losing the mayoral chains.[1]

In October 1988, Shadbolt's deputy mayor Gary Taylor resigned, citing mismanagement and personal issues as reasons, describing Shadbolt as an "Emperor" of a "personal fiefdom".[6] This triggered an audit by the central government, which found evidence of cronyism and improper management of funds, however not as wide-spread as alleged by Taylor.[6]

Six months after the release of the report, an election was held for the new Waitakere City, a newly formed body composed of the Waitemata City and surrounding West Auckland borough councils. In part due to the controversy, Shadbolt lost to Assid Corban, a member of the Corban family and mayor of the former Henderson Borough Council.[6][10]

He stood in the electorate of West Auckland (which incorporated Waitemata) at the 1990 New Zealand general election as an independent. He placed fifth with 3.06 per cent of the vote.[11] Later that year, he unsuccessfully stood in a by-election for Mayor of Auckland City, polling a distant eighth place.[12] Two years later he stood again for Mayor of Auckland City and also for Mayor of Dunedin, where he finished third place in both elections but performed marginally better in Dunedin.[13][14] Later that year, he stood in the Wellington Central by-election as an independent candidate, polling less than half a percentage point.[15]

Invercargill mayoralties

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In 1993, Shadbolt ran successfully for the position of Mayor of Invercargill. In 1994, he contested the Selwyn by-election as a candidate for New Zealand First, but was placed fourth, and remained Mayor of Invercargill.[5] He was defeated in 1995. In the 1996 general election he stood unsuccessfully as a candidate for the Aotearoa Legalise Cannabis Party.[5]

In 1998, Shadbolt was re-elected to the mayoralty and remained the mayor until 2022. In 2001 he was re-elected unopposed.[16]

In October 2002, Shadbolt told a conference of New Zealand's Disabled Persons Assembly that Invercargill had "an innovative approach to public transport, currently centred on 'Freebie the Bus' travelling the 'Purple Circle'". He said he hoped that in future all buses in Invercargill would be free and accessible.[17] (The Freebie and Purple Circle are zero-fare bus routes in Invercargill.)

In 2004 and 2007, Shadbolt won his fourth and fifth mayoral terms by huge margins. In 2010, he won his sixth Invercargill mayoral election. Shadbolt received 16,466 votes over mayoral candidates Suzanne Prentice (5,361 votes) and Carl Heenan (682 votes).[18]

On 8 October 2016 he again won re-election as Invercargill's mayor. He said this was his toughest campaign yet. "I've had two candidates both going flat-out and it was a tough election", he said. "In the past I've had either no contenders, but this time I had a television producer and a sitting councillor who had also been an investigative journalist, so it was pretty tough opposition."[19]

Shadbolt was returned for another term in 2019.[20] In November 2020, however, an independent review of the Invercargill City Council commissioned by the Department of Internal Affairs raised concerns about the council's performance, and in particular said Shadbolt was "struggling to fulfil significant aspects of his job", and as a result there is a leadership void at the council. Shadbolt rubbished the report, saying it is flawed and he has been singled out as a scapegoat.[21]

In mid-August 2021, Deputy Mayor of Invercargill Nobby Clark pushed for a vote of no confidence in Shadbolt's leadership. Shadbolt had drawn criticism from fellow councillors for using Invercargill City Council (ICC) properties to store his personal belongings. In response, Shadbolt alleged that he was the victim of workplace bullying and criticised the leaking of a mayoral email to the media.[22][23]

On 17 August, it was reported that Invercargill City Council CEO Clare Hadley had illegally accessed an email written by Shadbolt and used it against him during a closed council meeting. Following her apology, Shadbolt and councillors also welcomed an external investigation into the email leak.[24][25] An informal survey conducted by the Otago Daily Times found that 82% of respondents (157 individuals) believed that Shadbolt should resign as Mayor of Invercargill.[25]

In mid-July 2022, Shadbolt was involved in a dispute with Deputy Mayor Clark over whether the Council should cover his rental car expenses when attending a Local Government New Zealand conference in Palmerston North. Shadbolt argued that he was entitled to financial support from the ICC since he was representing Invercargill ratepayers in his capacity as Mayor. Clark contended that Shadbolt should pay for the rental car expenses himself as he had previously done in 2021.[26][27]

In mid-September 2022, Shadbolt attracted media attention when he abstained from participating in the Southland Business Chamber's mayoral debate during the 2022 Invercargill mayoral election. Shadbolt instead issued a statement stating that "After nine terms in office, you should be well aware of my strengths and weaknesses. It is for my challengers to take up the gauntlet and prove themselves to you."[28][29] On 8 October, he lost the election with 847 votes; former deputy mayor Nobby Clark won with 6537.[30][31]

Other endeavours

[edit]

Television

[edit]

Shadbolt had numerous appearances on New Zealand television, including the series That's Fairly Interesting.[32] He appeared in an advertisement promoting New Zealand cheese in the 1990s, repeating the phrase "I don't care where, as long as I'm mayor", in reference to his dual mayoralties.[33] He admitted later that the phrase was developed by an advertising agency.[1]

He appeared as a contestant on several game shows, including The Weakest Link in 2001,[34] the New Zealand version of Dancing with the Stars where he placed 3rd,[1] and the comedy gameshow 7 Days as a guest participant in the round Yes, Minister.[35]

In 2012, Shadbolt set the Guinness World Record for the longest television interview. He was interviewed for 26 consecutive hours by interviewer Tom Conroy on Cue TV. In doing so the pair also set the record for the longest single event in New Zealand television history.[36] Shadbolt later said he would have liked to keep going.[37] The record was broken in 2013 by Norwegian novelist Hans Olav Lahlum.[38]

Film

[edit]

Shadbolt appeared in The World's Fastest Indian, portraying a good friend of Burt Munro who organised social events for Invercargill's motorcycling community.[4]

Honours and awards

[edit]
Shadbolt with then Governor-General Patsy Reddy in 2019

In 2005, New Zealand Toastmasters awarded him the Communicator of the Year award.[4]

He was knighted in the 2019 New Year Honours List as a Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit (KNZM).[39]

Personal life

[edit]

Family

[edit]

Shadbolt had one son from an early marriage. He met his second wife, Miriam Cameron, in 1970. They had two sons. Cameron left Shadbolt in 1989 after alleged repeated domestic violence. They divorced three years later.[4][40] Shadbolt's later partner was lawyer Asha Dutt and they had one son.[1][41]

[edit]

In June 2015, the Invercargill City councillor Karen Arnold filed a defamation case against Shadbolt and Stuff media company (then known as Fairfax New Zealand) at the Wellington High Court, alleging that Shadbolt had defamed her in four columns published in the Fairfax–owned Southland Times newspaper between October 2014 and April 2015.[42][43] Shadbolt and Arnold had clashed about the Invercargill City Council's holding company Holdco borrowing an extra NZ$130 million but then declining to invest in a kākāpō centre.[44] Following a three week trial between February and March 2018 at the Invercargill High Court, the jury rejected Arnold's claims that Shadbolt and Stuff had defamed her on 18 March 2018. Shadbolt welcomed the ruling as a victory for freedom of expression.[43]

Following the defamation, Arnold was ordered to pay both Stuff and Shadbolt NZ$186,000 but declared bankruptcy. In March 2020, Shadbolt tried to get the Invercargill City Council to cover $448,000 worth of expenses incurred during his defamation trial under an indemnity clause in the Local Government Act. When the Council and insurance company rejected his application, Shadbolt sued the ICC.[45] By late September 2020, Newshub reported that Shadbolt was facing bankruptcy, owing over NZ$350,000 in legal fees.[46]

On 14 February 2023, Shadbolt settled his claims against the Invercargill City Council and its insurer Riskpool. By that time, the council had incurred NZ$285,000 in legal fees as a result of the proceedings. Shadbolt welcomed the settlement, stating that it had ended "eight years of hell" and that he had mixed emotions.[47][48]

Health and death

[edit]

Shadbolt was hospitalised for two weeks in April 2006 after rolling the mayoral car near Winton while returning from a work trip to Queenstown. He suffered three broken vertebrae, a bruised lung, and damage to his kidneys. His two passengers were uninjured. He was charged with careless driving and could have faced a maximum fine of $3000, however he was instead discharged and ordered to pay $300 each to St John New Zealand and the Winton volunteer fire brigade.[49][50]

In June 2021, Shadbolt revealed that he had been diagnosed with muscle tension dysphonia.[51] He died on 8 January 2026, at the age of 78.[52][53] A public funeral service was held for him on 16 January at the Civic Theatre; there was a procession followed by a private burial.[54]

References

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Further reading

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Tim Shadbolt

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia

Sir Timothy Richard Shadbolt KNZM (19 February 1947 – 8 January 2026) was a New Zealand author, political activist, and politician renowned for his long tenure as Mayor of Invercargill from 1998 to 2022, during which he became the longest-serving mayor in the country's history. He died at age 78 after a long illness.
Born in Remuera, Auckland, Shadbolt gained early prominence in the 1960s and 1970s as a student radical involved in the Progressive Youth Movement, protesting the Vietnam War and opposing the Manapouri hydroelectric dam project, leading to multiple arrests and the authorship of influential books critiquing New Zealand society.
Transitioning to electoral politics, he served briefly as Mayor of Waitemata City in the early 1990s before relocating to Invercargill, where his charismatic, unconventional style secured repeated re-elections amid efforts to revive the city's economy through tourism and infrastructure projects, though his leadership later faced scrutiny over council dysfunction, governance lapses, and health-related impairments that impaired his performance.

Early Life and Education

Family Background and Childhood

Timothy Richard Shadbolt was born on 19 February 1947 in , a suburb of , . His paternal grandparents had immigrated to and settled on a small farmlet in West , where they maintained a sustainable garden and livestock to endure the . Shadbolt's father, Donald Raymond Shadbolt, served as a and perished on 1952 in a plane crash into a mountain during a training exercise linked to the , leaving Tim aged five without a father figure. His mother, Josien Weersma-Shadbolt-Kral, was Dutch and had relocated to at age 18; following the tragedy, she returned to the with Tim, immersing him in and culture to the point that he largely forgot his English upon their subsequent to . To remedy his speech impediments and linguistic reversal, Shadbolt received coaching that not only restored his English proficiency but also cultivated early abilities, shaping his later rhetorical style. The family loss contributed to a challenging , during which Shadbolt drew quiet guidance from his uncle, the author Maurice Shadbolt, who offered benign support amid personal difficulties.

Schooling and Early Interests

Shadbolt was a founding student at Rutherford High School (later Rutherford College) in , enrolling when the school opened in 1961. He graduated in the class of 1961 and rose to become head prefect, demonstrating early leadership abilities in a newly established institution focused on co-educational in West . After secondary school, Shadbolt enrolled at the in 1966, studying there intermittently until 1970, including a year off in 1967 for activism-related activities. His time at university marked the emergence of strong interests in student politics, , and ; he became a prominent figure on campus, engaging in debates and organizing through groups like the Labour Club, which he influenced toward radical causes. These pursuits reflected an early aversion to establishment norms and a draw toward protest movements, particularly against the , laying groundwork for his later .

Activism (1960s–1970s)

Student Protests and Anti-Establishment Activities

Shadbolt attended the from 1966, where he was elected to the Auckland University Students' Association executive and became involved in campus activism opposing establishment policies, particularly New Zealand's military involvement in the . As a charismatic orator, he rallied students through speeches and organized meetings starting in 1969 to highlight the war's issues and mobilize , including demonstrations that challenged government alignment with the . His role extended to editing Craccum, the student newspaper, by 1972, where he amplified anti-war sentiments and critiqued institutional authority. A key figure in the Radical Eight—a splinter group from the students' association advocating escalated confrontational tactics—Shadbolt participated in broader anti-establishment efforts, such as the Jumping Sundays movement, which defied bylaws restricting protests to designated areas by occupying Albert Park weekly in the early 1970s. These activities embodied resistance to perceived authoritarian controls on public dissent, drawing crowds and provoking police intervention. In one notable instance on an unspecified date in 1973, he addressed anti-Vietnam War protesters outside Auckland Town Hall, reinforcing calls for withdrawal from the conflict amid growing domestic opposition. Shadbolt's protest involvement during this period resulted in numerous arrests—part of his documented total of 33, including two terms and five years of —for violations such as refusing fines and public order breaches tied to demonstrations against war policies and norms. These actions positioned him as a symbol of youthful against hierarchical power structures, though they also led to physical confrontations with authorities, including baton charges during rallies. His efforts contributed to heightened student radicalism but drew criticism from conservative elements for disrupting without achieving immediate policy reversals.

Key Campaigns, Arrests, and Publications

Shadbolt emerged as a prominent figure in New Zealand's anti-Vietnam War movement during the late 1960s, organizing weekly "Jumping Sundays" gatherings in 's Albert Park to highlight the country's military involvement and mobilize participants for . These events often escalated into confrontations with police, including instances involving commandeered buses. In , he participated in a against U.S. Vice President outside 's Intercontinental Hotel, where approximately 400 demonstrators clashed with 300 officers. He also addressed crowds during a 1973 rally outside Town Hall as part of ongoing opposition to the war. Earlier, in the 1960s, Shadbolt joined demonstrations against South Africa's rugby tours, protesting apartheid policies. His activism frequently resulted in legal repercussions, with Shadbolt accumulating 33 arrests between the 1960s and early 1980s, primarily for during protests or refusing to pay associated fines. He served two prison terms and five years of ; a notable 1970 imprisonment stemmed from declining to pay a fine imposed for directing the word "" at police officers. In 1971, he was held at Mount Crawford Prison, where poet James K. Baxter attempted an unsuccessful visit. Shadbolt documented his experiences in publications that captured the era's . His 1971 autobiography, Bullshit and Jellybeans, published by Alister Taylor after being written in six months, chronicled his activities, arrests, and critiques of societal norms, drawing its title from the aforementioned charge; the book sold over 12,000 copies. It included accounts of distributing jellybeans and balloons during public disruptions to mock authority.

Political Career

Waitemata Mayoralty (1983–1989)

Shadbolt entered the 1983 Waitemata City mayoral election as a contractor and former activist, securing an unexpected victory that launched his political . He marked his win by towing his concrete mixer, dubbed "," behind the official mayoral Daimler during the Henderson Christmas Parade on December 1983, an act that drew both attention and official reprimand for breaching protocol. This stunt underscored his outsider status and rejection of traditional decorum, appealing to West Auckland's working-class voters in the city's Henderson and surrounding suburbs. His first term emphasized community engagement over bureaucratic norms, leveraging his radical background to challenge establishment policies, though specific initiatives remained aligned with local infrastructure needs amid economic pressures of the era. Re-elected in , Shadbolt's overall tenure through proved turbulent, characterized by clashes with council structures and reflecting his unconventional governance style. He departed after losing the contest, as Waitemata City faced amalgamation into broader entities under national reforms.

Invercargill Terms (1993–1995; 1998–2022)

Tim Shadbolt entered the mayoralty of Invercargill via a by-election in 1993, prompted by the death of incumbent mayor Eve Poole. He secured victory in this contest, assuming office later that year and serving a partial term until the 1995 triennial election. During this initial period, Shadbolt, previously known for his activism and mayoralty in Waitemata, brought a populist approach to local governance in the Southland city. However, he was unsuccessful in defending his position in the 1995 election, losing to challenger Chris Maze. Shadbolt returned to the role in the 1998 local body elections, defeating incumbent Maze and initiating a prolonged tenure that lasted through 2022. He won re-election in 2001, 2004, 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016, and 2019, accumulating eight consecutive full terms alongside his earlier partial stint, for a total of nine mayoral terms in Invercargill. This span positioned him as New Zealand's longest-serving mayor by 2013, surpassing previous records amid consistent voter support in a city of approximately 50,000 residents. His 2019 victory marked his ninth term specifically in Invercargill, reflecting sustained popularity despite occasional challenges. Shadbolt's final term concluded in 2022, when he was defeated by Nobby Clark in the election held that October.

Achievements in Office

Infrastructure and Economic Initiatives

Shadbolt championed the Awarua industrial development zone near , facilitating the 2022 acquisition of 513 hectares of land for one of Australasia's largest industrial projects to attract major and boost regional . The initiative built on council efforts during his mayoralty to zone and market industrial land, aiming to diversify the local economy beyond traditional sectors like and aluminum production. He actively supported the 2013 reopening of the fourth potline at the , which added capacity for 72,000 tonnes of annual production and sustained thousands of jobs in Southland, crediting it with enabling subsequent infrastructure investments described by Shadbolt as a "great leap forward" for . This advocacy aligned with broader Provincial Growth Fund allocations, including $1.7 million in 2019 for air connectivity, , and business expansion to enhance capabilities and regional GDP growth. Under Shadbolt's leadership, pursued (CBD) revitalization, securing $19.5 million in 2019 Provincial Growth Fund investment for streetscape upgrades, pedestrian enhancements, and commercial space improvements to reverse retail decline and stimulate private investment. Shadbolt framed the funding as a "vote of confidence" in the city's transformation from a perceived "rural backwater" to a vibrant hub, though implementation faced delays amid council priorities. Infrastructure efforts included sustained advocacy for expansion to international standards, with Shadbolt promoting runway extensions and terminal upgrades to support direct flights and , laying groundwork for a 2025 $4 million Sir Tim Shadbolt Terminal refurbishment to meet modern jet requirements. Economically, he campaigned for the Southern Institute of Technology's zero-fees policy, introduced in 2008 and expanded under his influence, which increased local enrollment by encouraging youth retention and development in trades critical to Southland's base. These initiatives coincided with measurable economic indicators during Shadbolt's tenure, such as a 24% rise in median personal income from 2006 to 2013 and near-full labor force participation, attributed in council reports to industrial zoning and education investments fostering job creation. Shadbolt also contributed to the Mayors' Taskforce for Jobs, a national program launched in the early 2000s that provided youth employment training in Invercargill, reducing unemployment through targeted apprenticeships.

Longevity and Public Engagement

Shadbolt's tenure as mayor from 1998 to 2022 spanned 24 years across eight consecutive terms, establishing him as New Zealand's second-longest-serving mayor in history. This longevity reflected consistent voter approval in triennial elections, including re-elections in 2001, 2004, 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016, and 2019, before his loss to Nobby Clark in October 2022. His ability to secure mandates despite controversies underscored a base of support drawn from his prior and local advocacy. Shadbolt prioritized public engagement through direct appeals for community involvement, such as his 2017 encouragement for Southlanders to participate in development initiatives amid regional environmental and economic challenges. He maintained visibility via public forums, media interactions, and council meetings, often leveraging his background as a and speaker to articulate city priorities. This approach, while polarizing, sustained dialogue with residents on issues like and economic revitalization, contributing to his electoral resilience until 2022.

Controversies and Criticisms

Governance and Leadership Shortcomings

An independent review commissioned by the City Council in November 2020 concluded that Tim Shadbolt had become increasingly unable to fulfill his duties, contributing to a void amid escalating council problems including poor and relational dysfunction. The review, conducted by governance expert Richard Thomson, identified Shadbolt's limited engagement with strategic oversight and his tendency to prioritize personal visibility over substantive as key factors exacerbating these issues. Shadbolt rejected the findings, attributing council failings to internal factions and a toxic culture rather than his own performance, and described the report as him despite its praise for staff improvements. A follow-up in 2021 reiterated concerns, labeling Shadbolt an "unavoidable and inconvenient distraction" that hindered progress, though it noted some positive shifts in executive leadership and his partial withdrawal from matters. Thomson highlighted persistent risks from the mayor's style, including erratic attendance at meetings and reliance on charisma over consistent direction, which undermined collective . Despite these critiques, the acknowledged willingness to address deficiencies, but emphasized the need for stronger mayoral . By May 2022, a survey revealed acute dissatisfaction, with 11 of 12 elected members "strongly disagreeing" that Shadbolt was effectively managing key issues such as and . Respondents cited absent , diminishing input, and a failure to provide strategic guidance as ongoing barriers to resolution, framing the situation as a persistent shortfall during his final term. Shadbolt downplayed the feedback as a "celebrity roast," maintaining that his long tenure reflected public endorsement despite internal discord. These assessments collectively underscored a pattern of deficiencies that reviews linked to broader , though Shadbolt's defenders argued external factors and his unconventional approach mitigated such claims.

Financial Mismanagement Allegations

During Tim Shadbolt's tenure as Mayor of from 1998 to 2022, critics, including the Taxpayers' Union, alleged instances of wasteful spending on mayoral perks and council resources, contributing to perceptions of financial laxity amid rising rates. In October 2018, the council purchased a luxury sedan for Shadbolt at a cost of $72,323, surpassing the allocated mayoral vehicle budget of $55,000; Shadbolt defended the expenditure, claiming the reported figures did not align with actual costs. Similarly, an Official Information Act request revealed Shadbolt's mayoral expenses totaled $147,243 from late 2016 to April 2019, including over $3,000 on wristbands and ratepayer-funded travel for family members, which the Taxpayers' Union highlighted as extravagant amid broader fiscal scrutiny. Council decisions under Shadbolt's leadership drew further allegations of poor fiscal oversight, such as the commissioning of a $7,000 of the in 2022, which was subsequently removed from the council foyer following public backlash over its perceived frivolity during budget constraints. Internal conflicts exacerbated costs, with Shadbolt's 2020 legal proceedings against the council over defamation-related expenses incurring $165,000 in council legal fees by July 2021, attributed by observers to governance breakdowns. These expenditures coincided with proposed rates hikes, including a 7.78% increase in 2022 that councillors like Nobby Clark criticized as avoidable through tighter budgeting, fueling claims that Shadbolt's administration prioritized non-essential outlays over ratepayer value. Opponents in the 2019 local elections echoed these concerns, with candidates decrying "too much financial mismanagement" at the council, linking it to Shadbolt's long-term and calling for reforms to curb perceived profligacy. Shadbolt and supporters countered that such spending supported his public engagement role and that broader economic factors, rather than isolated decisions, drove fiscal pressures; no formal audits substantiated systemic embezzlement or irregularities during his terms, distinguishing these from earlier Waitemata controversies.

Defamation Lawsuits and Outcomes

In 2015, Invercargill City councillor Karen Arnold initiated defamation proceedings against Mayor Tim Shadbolt and media company Stuff, alleging that Shadbolt's columns published in the Southland Times in 2014 and 2015 had falsely portrayed her as incompetent and dishonest in her council role. The case proceeded to a jury trial in February 2018, believed to be the first defamation jury trial in Southland in over 100 years, where Arnold claimed the statements damaged her reputation and political standing. The jury unanimously rejected Arnold's claims on March 15, 2018, finding that Shadbolt's comments did not meet the threshold for and that he and Stuff had defenses including honest opinion and . Costs were awarded in favor of Shadbolt and Stuff, estimated to exceed NZ$500,000, which Arnold was ordered to pay but failed to cover, leading to her declaration on February 26, 2019. Shadbolt subsequently sought reimbursement of his legal expenses from City Council, citing initial assurances from council staff in 2015 that he was entitled to as acting in his official capacity. The council refused the claim in June 2019, prompting Shadbolt to file suit against the council and its insurer Riskpool in March 2020 to recover approximately NZ$300,000 in costs. The dispute was settled out of court on February 13, 2023, with Shadbolt describing the eight-year ordeal as "hell" but expressing relief at the resolution without disclosing settlement details. No further lawsuits involving Shadbolt have been reported as of 2023. In the 1960s and 1970s, Shadbolt was arrested 33 times for his involvement in political protests, including anti-Vietnam War demonstrations and other activist causes, often related to such as and public disorder. He served prison sentences on two occasions for refusing to pay court-imposed fines stemming from these arrests, reflecting his commitment to non-violent resistance against policies he opposed, including New Zealand's military involvement abroad. Shadbolt participated in high-profile actions, such as the 1978 occupation protesting land alienation from , where he was among over 200 arrested during the police eviction on May 25. These entanglements, while resulting in brief incarcerations, elevated his profile as a radical leader and author, though they drew criticism for disrupting public order without yielding immediate policy changes. In May 2021, Shadbolt's driver's licence was suspended by Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency, reportedly due to accumulated demerit points or medical grounds, though the exact cause was not publicly detailed at the time, prompting calls for transparency given his public role. Police later released additional information in December 2022 following an review, confirming the suspension arose from a routine unrelated to mayoral duties or public vehicles, but no criminal charges were specified. This administrative matter fueled media speculation amid broader concerns about his capacity to perform mayoral functions, though it did not result in court proceedings.

Non-Political Activities

Writing and Authorship

Tim Shadbolt has authored several books, primarily autobiographical accounts reflecting his experiences in , alternative lifestyles, and public life. His debut publication, Bullshit & Jellybeans (1971), chronicles his early years, including childhood influences and involvement in protest movements against the and other causes, positioning it as a counter-cultural document of New Zealand's youth rebellion. In 1981, Shadbolt published Concrete Reality, a slim volume of illustrated by Cameron, exploring themes through verse amid his evolving public persona. Shadbolt's later work, A of Two Cities (2008), expands on his trajectory from communes and to mayoral roles in Waitemata and , incorporating reflections on events like the 1981 Springbok Tour, occupation, and legal battles, spanning 239 pages. He has referenced additional writings on diverse topics such as and film-making, though specific titles beyond the above remain less documented in primary records.

Media Presence and Public Speaking

Tim Shadbolt developed strong skills early in life, aided by speech coaching that addressed a childhood stutter and taught effective oratory techniques. These abilities contributed to his success in political rallies and later engagements on the corporate speaking circuit, where he performed as an after-dinner speaker and toured with comedian Gary McCormick. Shadbolt's media presence was marked by frequent television and radio appearances, often highlighting his unconventional and humorous approach to . He became a recurring guest on TVNZ's satirical 7 Days, particularly in the "" segment, which featured mock interviews showcasing his quick wit. In one notable appearance, his responses drew significant viewer interest and later became iconic clips. A highlight of his media engagements occurred on April 28–29, 2012, when Shadbolt broke the Guinness World Record for the longest television interview, lasting 26 hours and 4 seconds with interviewer Tom Conroy on CUE TV, eclipsing the prior 12-hour mark set in Spain. He sustained the marathon session with pineapple juice and light meals, fielding questions on local issues and personal anecdotes. Shadbolt also participated in other high-profile interviews, such as on TVNZ's Breakfast program in 2018, discussing remedies and political insights. Following his defeat in the 2022 Invercargill mayoral election, Shadbolt reduced his public engagements significantly, with reports indicating he no longer makes appearances as of 2024 due to health-related protective measures.

Personal Life and Retirement

Marriages, Family, and Relationships

Shadbolt has been married twice, producing three sons from those unions. His second marriage, to Cameron, occurred in 1976 after they met in 1970; the couple had two sons, (born 1971) and Benjamin (born 1977). The marriage ended amid allegations of , with Cameron leaving in 1989 and the divorce finalized in 1992. During the marriage to Cameron, Shadbolt admitted to extramarital affairs, including an incident in the 1980s where he shared a bed with MP Sue Kedgley after she became intoxicated at a party; Shadbolt described it as non-sexual assistance rather than consummation. Cameron has publicly alleged repeated physical assaults by Shadbolt, including an occasion where he "pulverised" her face, alongside claims of serial and neglectful parenting prioritized behind political ambitions. Since the early 1990s, Shadbolt has maintained a long-term with Dutt, a approximately 19 years his junior. The couple welcomed a son, Declan, in June 2012, when Shadbolt was 65 years old, marking his fourth child overall. Dutt has supported Shadbolt in public and professional capacities, including travel and management of his commitments.

Health Challenges and Post-2022 Developments

In June 2021, Shadbolt was diagnosed with , a voice disorder caused by excessive tension in the muscles around the , which impaired his ability to speak publicly and defend himself amid criticisms during his mayoral tenure. This condition, which he disclosed publicly, contributed to perceptions of his diminished capacity in the lead-up to the 2022 election. Following his electoral defeat on , , Shadbolt experienced significant stress, culminating in a brief hospital admission in March 2023 for at Invercargill's Calvary after a prior stay. This episode was attributed to the emotional and physical toll of losing office after 24 years as . Since retiring from politics, Shadbolt maintained a low public profile, with no reported return to elected office or major civic roles as of October 2025. Decisions on public tributes to his mayoral legacy remained unresolved by late 2023, reflecting ongoing ambivalence in about his tenure. In February 2025, his son Declan Shadbolt joined the City Council's Youth Council, indicating some family continuity in local engagement. Shadbolt died on 8 January 2026 at the age of 78 following a long illness. New Zealand politicians paid tribute, including Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, who noted that few had given such devoted public service. His partner, Asha Dutt, described him as "a kind-hearted man who cared deeply about the people around him."

References

  1. https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/sir-tim-shadbolt-the-rise-and-fall-of-a-new-zealand-political-heavyweight/2IRBMXZSIZBRNAIPJTHAV5SHQ4/
  2. https://www.metromag.co.nz/society/society-politics/the-extraordinary-life-of-tim-shadbolt
  3. https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/sir-tim-shadbolt-dies-aged-78/
  4. https://management.co.nz/archive/top-200-designworks-visionary-leader-tim-shadbolt-bold-and-different
  5. https://insidenews.kesug.com/tim-shadbolt-age-net-worth-wife-health/
  6. https://www.stuff.co.nz/southland-times/news/85108995/the-stayer-shadbolts-unparalleled-career
  7. https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/alert-nat/431259/sir-tim-shadbolt-found-increasingly-unable-to-fulfill-duties-review
  8. https://www.stuff.co.nz/southland-times/opinion/98760957/dad-still-looking-over-my-shoulder
  9. https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/tim-shadbolt-a-man-reborn-to-run/AON4QCNL2RDK64Q4CF5Z3VFH5M/
  10. https://www.stuff.co.nz/auckland/local-news/western-leader/92406016/lost-the-mayoral-chains-but-not-his-sense-of-humour
  11. https://www.critic.co.nz/features/article/9874/from-communes-to-councils-sitting-down-with-mayor-
  12. https://www.stuff.co.nz/taranaki-daily-news/lifestyle/3780749/Shadbolt-A-literary-hero
  13. https://teara.govt.nz/en/object/42273/cover-of-bullshit-and-jellybeans-by-tim-shadbolt
  14. https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/shadbolt-bashed-me-says-ex-wife/3P7AQ7RKCG3JULGHSJNFQMFC4A/
  15. https://antivietnamwarprotest.weebly.com/tim-shadbolt.html
  16. https://www.rnz.co.nz/national/programmes/afternoons/audio/201838561/masterpieces-with-tim-shadbolt
  17. https://natlib.govt.nz/blog/posts/literary-papers-or-a-poem-by-james-k-baxter
  18. https://teara.govt.nz/en/photograph/39842/a-demonstration-1973
  19. https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/pstorage-wellington-7594921145/31457170/thesis_access.pdf?X-Amz-Algorithm=AWS4-HMAC-SHA256&X-Amz-Credential=AKIA3OGA3B5WBO5PUAXV/20251024/ap-southeast-2/s3/aws4_request&X-Amz-Date=20251024T041728Z&X-Amz-Expires=86400&X-Amz-SignedHeaders=host&X-Amz-Signature=d0562bf02237b1186a6cf64e30c39ea44602cc58e8a879d8d897d23d3285b89d
  20. https://www.odt.co.nz/regions/southland/mayor-back-it-cause
  21. https://natlib.govt.nz/records/44415659
  22. https://www.odt.co.nz/regions/southland/sir-tim-down-not-out-after-loss
  23. https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/local-body-elections/130111494/invercargill-mayoralty-sir-tim-shadbolt-out-nobby-clark-in
  24. https://southlandtribune.substack.com/p/hopes-for-shadbolt-civic-tribute
  25. https://www.odt.co.nz/regions/southland/shadbolt-wins-9th-term-mayor-invercargill
  26. https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/local-elections-2013/224466/shadbolt-country%27s-longest-serving-mayor
  27. https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/123269600/is-time-up-for-nzs-longestserving-mayor-sir-tim-shadbolt
  28. https://www.odt.co.nz/regions/southland/shadbolts-11th-term-mayor
  29. https://southlandchamber.co.nz/major-industrial-development-flagged-for-awarua-unlike-anything-seen-in-new-zealand/
  30. https://iccagenda.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/ltp-2012-2022-section-4-key-projects.pdf
  31. https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/378606/southland-infrastructure-businesses-to-gain-from-new-funding
  32. https://www.stuff.co.nz/southland-times/114324337/southland-receives-further-17m-provincial-growth-funding
  33. https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/115261934/invercargill-cbd-development-gets-195m-funding-boost
  34. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/0042098015571060
  35. https://www.thepress.co.nz/travel/360747151/invercargill-airport-investment-step-forward-region-ceo
  36. https://www.pressreader.com/new-zealand/the-southland-times/20181231/281479277538895
  37. https://www.icc.govt.nz/repository/libraries/id:2swc6cbtp1cxby8vraxn/hierarchy/assets/council/documents/plans-and-reports/annual-plan/previous/Annual-Plan-2014-2015-Entire.pdf
  38. https://www.taranaki.gen.nz/mtfjobs25
  39. https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/130167722/mayor-tim-shadbolt-departs-office-after-24-years-but-hes-got-some-words-of-wisdom
  40. https://www.facebook.com/environmentsouthland/videos/mayor-tim-encourages-southlanders-to-get-involved-in-community/1788730871157010/
  41. https://thespinoff.co.nz/local-elections-2022/23-09-2022/invercargill-and-the-lost-cause-an-interview-with-tim-shadbolt
  42. https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/local-government/126323160/vastly-different-council-works-around-sir-tim-shadbolt-sideshow
  43. https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/431259/sir-tim-shadbolt-found-increasingly-unable-to-fulfill-duties-review
  44. https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/local-government/123478287/review-says-invercargill-mayor-sir-tim-shadbolt-struggling-to-fulfil-job
  45. https://crux.org.nz/national-news/sir-tim-shadbolt-found-increasingly-unable-to-fulfill-duties-review
  46. https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/431311/invercargill-councillor-disappointed-to-hear-mayor-sir-tim-shadbolt-rubbish-review-of-council
  47. https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/450901/positive-council-report-finds-mayor-tim-shadbolt-unavoidable-and-inconvenient-distraction
  48. https://www.odt.co.nz/regions/southland/sir-tim-remains-%25E2%2580%2598unavoidable-and-inconvenient%25E2%2580%2599-distraction
  49. https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/local-government/126308621/second-review-takes-aim-at-invercargill-mayor-sir-tim-shadbolt-but-hes-not-going-anywhere
  50. https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/local-government/128535537/sir-tim-shadbolt-ongoing-criticism-a-celebrity-roast-of-the-mayor
  51. https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/466436/invercargill-councillors-lack-confidence-mayor-shadbolt-on-top-of-key-issues-report
  52. https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/survey-finds-lack-of-confidence-in-invercargill-mayor-tim-shadbolt/WFP74L3ZNVRDPVSLJK42X2N35I/
  53. https://southlandapp.nz/NewsStory/southern-mayors-tread-carefully-with-sir-tims-backlash-against-governance-report/5fbc63e1e236e90028be47e3
  54. https://www.taxpayers.org.nz/mayoral_vehicles
  55. https://www.odt.co.nz/regions/southland/shadbolts-mayoral-car-most-expensive
  56. https://www.taxpayers.org.nz/shadbolt
  57. https://www.stuff.co.nz/southland-times/news/114986918/invercargill-mayor-sir-tim-shadbolt-spends-over-3k-on-wristbands
  58. https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/controversial-7000-tim-shadbolt-portrait-removed-from-council-foyer/GYWKKJK6DFBTJJIUBYBZKQ6ZVY/
  59. https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/125632447/sir-tim-shadbolts-legal-action-has-cost-invercargill-city-council-165k-to-date
  60. https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/local-government/128599236/sir-tim-shadbolt-votes-against-endorsing-council-legacy-report
  61. https://whatsoninvers.nz/candidate-profile-statements-invercargill-city-council/
  62. https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/102296668/defamation-proceedings-against-invercargill-mayor-tim-shadbolt-and-stuff-fail
  63. https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/351271/shadbolt-in-southland-s-first-defamation-trial-for-100-years
  64. https://www.odt.co.nz/regions/southland/jury-picked-shadbolt-defamation-case
  65. https://www.pressreader.com/new-zealand/the-southland-times/20190226/281608126720484
  66. https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/114106058/shadbolt-initially-told-he-was-entitled-to-indemnity-for-defamation-costs
  67. https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/113285232/icc-refuses-to-pay-shadbolts-court-costs
  68. https://www.odt.co.nz/regions/southland/mayor-sues-his-own-council
  69. https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/local-government/131222532/eight-years-of-hell-shadbolt-settles-lawsuit-against-invercargill-city-council
  70. https://www.odt.co.nz/regions/southland/shadbolt-reaches-settlement-court-case
  71. https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/484218/sir-tim-shadbolt-s-legal-stoush-with-invercargill-city-council-settled
  72. https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/health/coronavirus/127802410/sir-tim-shadbolt-current-protest-more-personal-than-anything-he-dealt-with
  73. https://www.odt.co.nz/regions/southland/shadbolt-becomes-patron-police-recruit-wing
  74. https://www.teaonews.co.nz/2018/05/25/mayor-tim-shadbolt-relives-his-stand-with-ngati-whatua/
  75. https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/125231918/sir-tim-shadbolts-drivers-licence-suspended-nzta
  76. https://www.odt.co.nz/regions/southland/mayor-keeps-car-despite-suspension
  77. https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/police-release-further-details-on-tim-shadbolts-driver-licence-suspension/UGP72V3TIRFA3APYVDGNBFNYMM/
  78. https://www.odt.co.nz/regions/southland/driving-ban-details-out-after-review
  79. https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/opinion/125243264/why-wont-tim-shadbolt-reveal-the-reason-his-drivers-licence-is-suspended
  80. https://natlib.govt.nz/records/22233380
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  82. https://books.google.com/books/about/Concrete_Reality.html?id=v4l3NAAACAAJ
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  84. https://www.hachette.co.nz/book/?id=a-mayor-of-two-cities-9781869713003
  85. https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/touring-legends-set-to-hit-the-road-again/M5XTA6UFRYKVWB4SN6RIFYA5R4/
  86. https://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/news/local-papers/wairarapa-news/entertainment/9011251/Comedians-back-on-tour
  87. https://www.stuff.co.nz/entertainment/6825590/Shadbolt-breaks-world-record-for-interview
  88. https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/104521/shadbolt-breaks-tv-interview-record
  89. https://www.stuff.co.nz/southland-times/news/6827171/Shadbolt-talks-his-way-into-record-books-in-26-hour-effort
  90. https://www.facebook.com/1NewsNZ/videos/tim-shadbolt-swaps-home-cold-remedies-with-breakfasts-jack-tame/10155545975031218/
  91. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xnFBPwnFg5w
  92. https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/659476/Shadbolt-I-ended-up-in-bed-with-Kedgley
  93. https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/shadbolt-a-dad-again-at-65/I6MDZMVZVM2A6UF53T4ECCPPQU/
  94. https://www.odt.co.nz/news/national/tim-shadbolt-father-again-65
  95. https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/ldr/444993/shadbolt-reveals-health-diagnosis-affecting-ability-to-defend-himself
  96. https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/131609922/sir-tim-shadbolt-in-hospital-for-respite-care-after-stressful-period
  97. https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/sir-tim-shadbolt-admitted-to-hospital-in-southland/EEW3RIBJOVDIXOD6AZ67ELVIME/
  98. https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360585731/78-sir-tim-has-turn-books
  99. https://www.odt.co.nz/southland/southland-express/all-quiet-sir-tim-tribute-front
  100. https://southlandtribune.substack.com/p/following-the-footsteps-sir-tims
  101. https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/tim-shadbolt-obituary-new-zealands-longest-serving-mayor-dies-at-78-after-long-illness/KEVKK4ARG5HK7DOJXGGIQZ2XNM/
  102. https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/583531/sir-tim-shadbolt-has-died-at-age-78
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