Kiwi icon, Sir Tim Shadbolt, passes away

He was 78 years old.

Sir Tim, who was awarded the Knight Companion of New Zealand Order of Merit in the 2019 New Year’s Honours List, served nine terms as Invercargill Mayor (between 1993 – 1995, and again between 1998 – 2022), and two terms as Waitematā (Auckland) Mayor, between 1983 - 1989: making him one of the longest-serving mayors in New Zealand.

The Mayor’s partner of many decades, Asha Dutt, issued the following statement on behalf of his family –

“Today we lost the cornerstone of our family and the man who has devoted himself to promoting the city of Invercargill for almost 30 years. Tim was a kind-hearted man who cared deeply about the people around him. He was a champion for the underdog and an active political campaigner from his student days of anti-war protest, his activism for Māori rights, and his fight to keep the Southern Institute of Technology and Zero Fees autonomous. Tim will be remembered with gratitude, respect, and affection for his commitment to the south and his passion for life. The citizens of Invercargill can be proud of the enormous legacy he leaves.”

Sir Tim’s family has requested privacy during this time.

Funeral service details will be announced once confirmed.