Hundreds of mourners gathered at Invercargill’s Civic Theatre on Friday to farewell former mayor Sir Tim Shadbolt, in a service as unabashed, colourful and uncompromising as the man they had come to honour.
Shadbolt served nine terms as Invercargill mayor, first from 1993 to 1995 and again from 1998 to 2022, and previously served two terms as mayor of Waitematā in Auckland between 1983 and 1989.
He was awarded the Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit in the 2019 New Year’s Honours List and was one of the country’s longest-serving mayors.
Shadbolt died on January 8 aged 78.
Tributes at his service came from family, friends, politicians, pastors and activists, painting a portrait of a man remembered variously as compassionate, chaotic, principled and unforgettable.
One of the most emotionally charged addresses came from his partner, Asha Dutt, who told the packed theatre she had promised him she would speak frankly.
“I am speaking because of the commitment I made to Tim that I would speak at this service,” she said.
“It wouldn’t be a Shadbolt funeral if someone didn’t fire a few shots. So I’m doing that on Tim’s behalf.”
Dutt accused elements of the 2019 council of contributing to the former mayor’s ill health.
“No one has pointed out how awful his final term in council was,” she said.
“He walked into that council every day knowing he didn’t have a single friend – and he didn’t.”
She said others in the council would “sit around and take shots at him”.
“Can’t you imagine those coward punches to his feelings and to his soul?”
While acknowledging that “there are some good councillors”, she said others had “lived in Tim’s shadow and any chance to step into the limelight was gladly received”.
“I actually asked those people not to attend this service ... I feel the hypocrisy of those people sitting here today for the sake of attendance.”
Dutt said it was “the extreme stresses placed upon him” and “the total lack of support that turned his health and turned my own”.
She said she had promised Shadbolt she would raise the issues publicly.
“In my heart, the council of 2019 have blood on their hands. That’s the shot I want to fire, Tim would be proud.
“How he exited his career is a shame on you,” she added.
Dutt ended her address with: “We love you Tim. Power to the people”, before leaving the stage to a standing ovation.
Earlier, she had also reflected on Shadbolt’s character, saying: “If there was one aspect of Tim’s life I’d like to highlight, it’s his warmth, his humanity, his kindness, his resilience and his deep compassion. He was receptive to everyone, he gave everyone the time of the day.”
The funeral service began at 2pm at the Civic Theatre, with his casket brought into the auditorium shortly afterwards.
Pastor Graeme Pope opened the service, telling mourners: “I cannot recall him ever saying any unkind or slanderous word about anyone.
“He always chose to see the best in every situation and the best in every person.
“He had the most extraordinary stories, the most hilarious adventures.
“And yet he was also very humble and incredibly generous with his time, his attention, and his love.”
Shadbolt’s sons and family members delivered deeply personal tributes.
His eldest son, Robert Shadbolt, drew laughter from the crowd with stories of growing up with his father before concluding through tears: “We miss you. Your insights. Your empathy, humour, warmth. We come together today to celebrate someone who really, really lived.”
His brother, Rodney Shadbolt, shared childhood memories and said: “I’d like to thank the people of Invercargill for seeing through all his faults and seeing something finer. And I’d like to thank the people of West Auckland for launching him on his path.”
Rodney closed his tribute with the line: “Goodnight sweet brother, a flight of angels sings thee to thy rest.”
Māori activist and artist Tāme Iti told the audience: “Tim didn’t just protest. He was the protest.”
Artist and activist Pita Turei also paid tribute, saying: “We had something in common: we believed in the working man.”
MP Penny Simmonds told the audience: “He was a man of many dimensions, and Invercargill saw the best of him.
“Today, we mourn the loss of an absolutely extraordinary man. Thank you, Sir Tim.”
As the service drew to a close, a video was played at his partner’s request so Shadbolt could have the last word.
“Ah yes, time flies when you’re having fun”, were the final words that echoed through the theatre as his coffin was carried out.
He was farewelled with a haka by Mana Tuakiri outside the Civic Theatre before the funeral procession began.
Some in the crowd wept openly, calling out to him and tossing flowers toward the hearse as it pulled away.
A motorcycle escort then led the cortege along Tay St and Clyde St, with the concrete mixer he famously towed during his mayoral campaigns following immediately behind the hearse.
The procession continued to Invercargill Airport, where Shadbolt has a terminal named in his honour, before travelling to Eastern Cemetery for a private interment.
Ben Tomsett is a multimedia journalist based in Dunedin. He joined the Herald in 2023.