Former Invercargill mayor Sir Tim Shadbolt has died in the early hours of Thursday.

In a public statement, his family said “It is with heavy hearts, the Shadbolt family announce the passing of our ‘one of a kind’ and beloved Tim, whom passed away in the early hours of Thursday.

“Tim loved life and he loved serving the citizens of Invercargill and the former Waitemaita City. He was a poet, concreter, political activist, writer, Ballroom dancer, boxer, sports enthusiast, historian, entertainer, family man and gifted public speaker. Tim loved people and they loved him. Our hearts are broken.”

Timothy Richard Shadbolt was born in Auckland on 19 February 1947.

He first came to prominence in the 1960s and 1970s protest movement, where he became nationally recognised for his activism and public speaking.

He was first elected mayor of Waitemata City in 1983 and served two terms there before later moving south and entering local politics in Invercargill.

He was elected Invercargill mayor in 1993, lost the position in 1995, then returned to office in 1998, going on to serve multiple further terms and becoming one of New Zealand’s longest serving mayors.

During his decades in public life, he became known for his distinctive style, strong connection with residents, and willingness to promote Invercargill on the national stage.

He also appeared frequently in media and public events and remained one of the country’s most recognisable local government figures.

Sir Tim was knighted in 2019 as a Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to local government and the community.