Sir Tim Remembered at Public Funeral: A Legacy of Leadership

A public funeral service for Sir Tim, a prominent public servant who passed away on January 8, 2023, was held today at the Civic Theatre in Invercargill. The event attracted family, friends, and notable political figures, all gathered to honor a life dedicated to public service and social activism. Sir Tim was 78 years old at the time of his death.

During the service, Tui Shadbolt, Sir Tim’s cousin, delivered a heartfelt eulogy, describing him as “the ultimate people person who loved a good debate.” She highlighted his unique ability to uplift spirits and mobilize communities, emphasizing that he continuously advocated for the betterment of Invercargill. “Tim showed us that leadership can be joyful, creative, deeply human, and achieve great things,” she remarked, recalling his self-deprecating humor and commitment to service.

While the tribute celebrated Sir Tim’s accomplishments, it also sparked controversy. His partner, Asha Dutt, used the occasion to voice her criticisms of the city council. She pointed out that Sir Tim’s final term was marked by significant challenges, including conflicts with deputies and a critical review of council operations. “So in my heart, the council of 2019 have blood on their hands. That’s the shot I want to fire, Tim would be proud,” Dutt stated, adding, “How he exited his career, is a shame on you.”

Family members shared personal anecdotes that illustrated Sir Tim’s character and values. Rob Shadbolt, one of his sons, reminisced about his father’s work ethic and the adventures they shared, while another son, Ben Shadbolt, became emotional as he recounted the support his father provided during a difficult time in his life. Ben recalled telling his father at the age of 13 that he wanted to drop out of school to pursue a career as a drummer. “And I just never forget it, Dad just looks at me and goes ‘oh yeah, how much does a drumkit cost?’”

The service also featured remarks from Māori activist and artist Tāme Iti, who paid tribute to Sir Tim’s commitment to social justice. He recalled how Sir Tim had formed a small team during the protests at Bastion Point, highlighting his dedication to activism. “My friend, thank you for your support. Thank you for being with us. Thank you for being the man who you are,” Iti said.

Born in Auckland in 1947, Sir Tim was an influential figure in New Zealand politics, known for his lengthy and successful career. He attended Auckland University and became involved in social activism, which led to multiple arrests. His political journey included winning the mayoralty of Waitematā twice in the 1980s and subsequently achieving sustained success in the southern city of Invercargill. From 1998 to 2022, he served eight full terms as mayor, with only two electoral defeats during his 29-year political career.

Sir Tim remained a public figure throughout his tenure, appearing on several television shows, including Intrepid Journeys, 7 Days, and Dancing with the Stars. In 2019, he was honored as a Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for his contributions to local government and community service, a recognition he found surprising given his radical beginnings.

He is survived by his partner, four sons, and a collection of written works, including A Mayor of Two Cities and Bull…t and Jellybeans. The funeral served not only as a remembrance of his contributions but also as a poignant reflection on the complexities of public service and community leadership.