Sir Tim Shadbolt was farewelled in Invercargill with a moving service filled with poetry, waiata, haka, and humour, celebrating the life of one of New Zealand’s most enduring political figures.
The funeral took place at the Civic Theatre on Thursday, 8 January, following Sir Tim’s death at age 78. His casket was led onto the stage in a formal procession, accompanied by the ILT City of Invercargill Highland Pipe Band.
Family members, friends, and dignitaries gathered to honour his memory. Sir Tim’s sons, Declan Lawton-Dutt, and Ben and Robert Shadbolt, as well as his brother Rodney Shadbolt, shared tributes. Other speakers included Māori activist Tāme Iti, Invercargill MP Hon. Penny Simmonds, and his long-time partner Asha Dutt.
After the service, a haka by rōpū Mana Tuakiri farewelled Sir Tim before his funeral procession made its way through Invercargill. The cortege travelled past key city landmarks, including the Sir Tim Shadbolt Terminal at Invercargill Airport, before a private burial at Eastern Cemetery. Members of the public lined Tay and Clyde streets to say their final goodbyes.
Invercargill Mayor Tom Campbell reflected on Sir Tim’s influence, saying, “Today, the Invercargill community came together to farewell Sir Tim with gratitude and deep respect. Sir Tim was a force of nature, whose belief in people, place, and possibility was unmistakable, and whose unwavering belief in our city left an enduring legacy that will be felt for generations.”
“Sir Tim was a true champion of Invercargill, and he did so with courage and heart. It was a privilege to pay tribute to a man who always urged us to aim higher and think bigger about what our community could be.”
MP Penny Simmonds acknowledged her years working with Sir Tim, particularly their collaboration on the Zero Fees scheme, which brought new life to the city. “We mourn the loss of an absolutely extraordinary man,” she said, adding that he always met criticism with humour, not hostility.
Bluff Community Board Chair Ray Fife also honoured Sir Tim’s love for Bluff. “Sir Tim Shadbolt always spoke of Bluff as the jewel in our community’s crown,” he said. “Year after year, Sir Tim attended our ANZAC Day parades – rain, hail, or shine… his presence will be deeply missed throughout our community.”
Sir Tim served nine terms as Invercargill’s mayor between 1993 and 2022, and two terms as Auckland’s Waitematā mayor in the 1980s. He was knighted in 2019 for his service to local government and the community.