Sir Tim Shadbolt, New Zealand’s Longest-Serving Mayor, Dies at 78
Sydney, 8 January 2026 – Sir Tim Shadbolt, the former mayor of Invercargill and a prominent figure in New Zealand politics known for his activism, charisma, and dedication to community development, has died at the age of 78. The news was announced by the Invercargill City Council, with tributes flooding in from politicians and the public for the man who served as mayor for 24 consecutive years.
Life and Career Highlights
Born in Auckland in 1947, Shadbolt rose to prominence in the 1960s and 1970s as a student activist, protesting against the Vietnam War and apartheid. He was arrested 33 times during his activism, including during the 1981 Springbok Tour. A talented public speaker and debater, he worked as a concrete contractor and served on the Auckland Regional Council before entering local politics.
In 1983, Shadbolt was elected mayor of Waitemata, where he served two terms until 1989. His career took a significant turn in 1993 when he became mayor of Invercargill, a position he held for eight terms until 2022, making him New Zealand’s longest-serving mayor. During his tenure, he championed initiatives like the Southern Institute of Technology’s zero fees scheme, which boosted student numbers from 1,000 to 5,000, and helped reverse the city’s population decline.
Shadbolt was also a media personality, appearing in TVNZ’s Dancing with the Stars, films like The World’s Fastest Indian and Two Little Boys, and holding the world record for the longest television interview. He authored the provocative autobiography Bullshit & Jellybeans and was knighted in the 2019 New Year’s Honours for his services to local government and the community.
Key Facts and Achievements
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Birth and Early Life | Born 27 February 1947 in Auckland; attended Rutherford High and Auckland University. |
| Mayoral Terms | Waitemata (1983–1989, 2 terms); Invercargill (1993–1995 and 1998–2022, 8 terms total). |
| Key Achievements | Reversed Invercargill’s population decline; implemented zero fees at Southern Institute of Technology; advocated for conservation and community development. |
| Activism and Arrests | Arrested 33 times for protests; involved in anti-Vietnam War and anti-apartheid movements. |
| Honours and Legacy | Knighted in 2019; known for colourful personality, public speaking, and media appearances. |
Tributes and Family Response
Politicians across New Zealand paid tribute to Shadbolt. Invercargill Mayor Tom Campbell described his absence as “deeply felt” and praised his “genuine pride in our community.” Nelson Mayor Dr Nick Smith recalled Shadbolt’s “irreverent slogan ‘I want to be Mayor – I don’t care where’” and his commitment to the city. Former Prime Minister Helen Clark highlighted his ability to “get away with saying things that any other politician would be crucified for.”
Shadbolt’s partner, Asha Dutt, released a family statement saying, “Our hearts are broken. Tim loved life and he loved serving the citizens of Invercargill and the former Waitemata City. He was a champion for the underdog.” The Invercargill City Council announced a Book of Condolence and plans to fly the Coat of Arms flag at half-mast.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Sir Tim Shadbolt’s cause of death?
The Invercargill City Council announced his death but did not specify the cause. Shadbolt had previously revealed in 2021 that he was battling a health condition affecting his ability to defend himself, and he had faced health challenges in his later years.
How long did Sir Tim Shadbolt serve as mayor?
He served as mayor for a total of 24 consecutive years: two terms in Waitemata (1983–1989) and eight terms in Invercargill (1993–1995 and 1998–2022).
What were some of Sir Tim Shadbolt’s notable contributions?
Beyond his mayoral roles, Shadbolt was known for his activism, writing, and media work. He helped grow Invercargill’s population, supported education through zero fees, and was a vocal advocate for Māori rights and conservation.