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- The Invercargill Airport terminal is now officially named the Sir Tim Shadbolt Terminal.
- The renaming recognises Sir Tim’s impact on the airport and broader community growth.
- The terminal will also feature storytelling signage highlighting his contributions to the city.
Invercargill Airport has officially renamed its terminal to honour former mayor Sir Tim Shadbolt, acknowledging his significant impact on the city's development. The Sir Tim Shadbolt Terminal was revealed at a private ceremony attended by family, friends, and local dignitaries. The renaming commemorates Sir Tim’s role in advocating for the city’s infrastructure growth and his lasting legacy as one of the region’s most influential figures. Related: Air New Zealand To Cut Invercargill To Wellington Direct Flights
Invercargill Mayor Nobby Clark stated that the name change is a fitting tribute to Sir Tim’s unwavering support for the airport’s development. During his time as mayor, Sir Tim was instrumental in extending Invercargill Airport’s runway, ensuring it could accommodate larger and international aircraft. “Having Sir Tim’s name greet people – whether this is their home, or they’re simply visiting – is a fitting way to honour his legacy to our community,” Clark said.
Sir Tim himself expressed his heartfelt appreciation for the gesture, describing it as a “badge of honour” not just for him, but also for the citizens of Invercargill. “I have always seen the airport as a key asset to the city, and it’s my hope that the airport continues to push the boundaries of how a regional airport can best serve its passengers,” he added. “May the Sir Tim Shadbolt Terminal continue to grow and forge the important connection which it provides between Invercargill and the globe.”
Sir Tim’s son, Declan, also spoke at the unveiling ceremony, sharing cherished memories of his childhood experiences at the airport. Declan reminisced about meeting notable figures such as Prince Harry and attending various airport-related events over the years. He described the terminal as a place filled with memories of picking up and dropping off friends and family, making the airport a central part of their lives. He shared, “One of my earliest memories is sitting in the old terminal with Dad, waiting for his next flight. That airport was like a second home to me, and I remember feeling a sense of pride every time I saw Dad walk through those doors, knowing how much he had done for Invercargill.”
Former Invercargill City Council CEO Richard King also paid tribute, sharing his reflections on Sir Tim’s tenure as mayor and the transformational impact he had on the city. King said, “I had the pleasure of working with Tim for 26 years, and he’s going to be remembered as one of the great mayors of New Zealand—not because he was that icon, not because he’s one of the best comedians we’ve ever seen, but because when he came to Invercargill, we were the fastest-declining city in Australasia.”
King recalled the early days of working alongside Sir Tim and the challenges they faced. “At that stage, it was QTV, and people demanded that we do something about it. Being a local authority, we had limited legal powers and had to think outside the square,” King said. He shared one of their most well-known successes: the Southern Institute of Technology’s (SIT) free fees scheme. “The most famous thing we ever did, in a sense, was Penny’s free fee scheme that she dreamed up in the shower. That cost several millions, but it boosted the local economy unbelievably well,” he explained.
Another major initiative Sir Tim spearheaded was promoting Invercargill to a wider audience. “One of the things we could also do was promote the city, and Tim was brilliant at that,” King said. He mentioned their involvement in supporting the film The World’s Fastest Indian, which brought international attention to Invercargill. “We looked at The World’s Fastest Indian, and that cost the funding partners $600,000, but it was well worth it. We were actually invited to the premiere of The World’s Fastest Indian in Dallas, and on the way, we did a courtesy call to the mayor of Salt Lake City.”
King emphasised that Sir Tim’s ability to think creatively and push boundaries is what set him apart. “Tim was not just a great mayor because of his charisma and humour, but because he truly believed in the potential of this city and did everything he could to see it thrive,” he said. “He’s left an indelible mark on Invercargill, and the newly named terminal is just one way to ensure his legacy is carried forward.”
Invercargill Airport chief executive Stuart Harris expressed the airport’s pride in honouring Sir Tim. “Sir Tim’s leadership and dedication have played an integral role in shaping Invercargill, and we are pleased to have his name welcome visitors as they pass through our airport, ensuring his legacy is carried forward for future generations.”
Invercargill MP Penny Simmonds also paid tribute to Sir Tim’s efforts in advancing the region’s education and economic prospects. She recalled Sir Tim’s global efforts in promoting the city and the Southern Institute of Technology (SIT), where he was deeply involved. Simmonds highlighted his international travels, recounting how he tirelessly recruited students from around the world and fostered relationships in countries like India, China, and Mongolia.
“Tim literally travelled all over the world recruiting international students for us because it was such a big deal, opening doors in all those countries,” Simmonds said. “He was enormously gracious and generous with his time for our students. SIT would not have been the success that it was without his contribution, and we should all be very, very grateful for that.”
The newly named Sir Tim Shadbolt Terminal not only recognises his contributions as a leader but also serves as a reminder of his commitment to making Invercargill a city with a strong community spirit. The renaming of the terminal, along with the upcoming storytelling signage, ensures that his legacy will be remembered by both locals and visitors for many years to come.