Declan's special tribute to 'dynamic one-of-a-kind mayor'
"I'm touched. I see this as a badge of honour, not just for myself, but for the citizens of Invercargill who took the punt to vote for a then outsider, with a different way of approaching issues."
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Sir Tim Shadbolt’s 12-year-old son Declan says the Invercargill Airport will forever provide him with a reminder of his childhood living in the public spotlight.
Declan, alongside his mum and Shadbolt’s long-time partner Asha Dutt, officially unveiled the renamed Sir Tim Shadbolt Terminal at the Invercargill Airport on Wednesday.
Shadbolt’s family, friends, and dignitaries attended a private event for the special unveiling.
Declan told the gathering that it was his honour to help unveil the plaque which officially saw the Invercargill Airport terminal become the Sir Tim Shadbolt Terminal.
“It will have a special significance as I will see it every time I fly from now on,” Declan said.
“It will remind me of that time of my life when I lived in the public eye with the dynamic one-of-a-kind Mayor of Invercargill who will always have my love and admiration.
“It will trigger memories of the duties that came with the mayoralty.
“The daily printed schedules that ruled our lives, the never-ending events, the speeches, the travel, the always rushing to appointments and then running late, people asking us for selfies, the bags of chicken chips tucked away in the drawer of the Mayor’s lounge, the sandwiches Tim brought home from the office, the constant ringing of his cell phone, but most of all the enduring kindness of the public towards us on his journey as Mayor.
“These are aspects of the era which I will never forget.”
Declan thanked the Invercargill city for the airport terminal naming gesture which marked Sir Tim’s 26 and half years as Invercargill’s mayor.
Shadbolt was not in attendance at the ceremony but in a written statement said he was pleased by the gesture.
"I'm touched. I see this as a badge of honour, not just for myself, but also for the citizens of Invercargill who took the punt to vote for a then outsider, with a different way of approaching issues, some 31 years ago,” he said.
"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.
“May Sim Shadbolt Terminal continue to grow and forge the important connection which it provides between Invercargill and the globe.”
As well as the official name change, storytelling signage encompassing Sir Tim’s contribution to the city is also set to be installed in the terminal later this year.
Sir Tim held the Invercargill mayoralty from 1993 – 1995, and again from 1998 – 2022, making him one of the longest-serving mayors in New Zealand’s history. He received a knighthood for his service to the Invercargill community in 2019.
In late 2023, Invercargill City Councillors agreed to pay tribute to Sir Tim’s eight-term tenure as Invercargill Mayor, by requesting the airport terminal be named in his honour.
Council is the majority shareholder of Invercargill Airport. Other iwi stakeholders, and Sir Tim and his family, also supported the name change.
Invercargill Mayor Nobby Clark said the name change was a fitting tribute to Sir Tim.
Shadbolt had been a director of the airport during his time as mayor, and was a leading proponent in extending Invercargill Airport’s runway to ensure it was suitable for larger and international aircraft.
“Throughout his tenure as mayor, Sir Tim became synonymous with championing the city of Invercargill. He was an enormous advocate for others to head south and discover this corner of the world,” he said.
“Having Sir Tim’s name greet people – whether this is their home, or they’re simply visiting – as they step onto the tarmac at Invercargill Airport is a fitting way to honour his legacy to our community,” Clark said.
Invercargill Airport chief executive Stuart Harris said the organisation was happy to honour Sir Tim in this way.
“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.”
Yes good to see Sir Tim getting this recognition. He did a huge amount for Invercargill. Maybe we shouldn't be satisfied with just naming the terminal after him. I think there are further opportunities with streets, parks and so on.
Thank you Sir Tim for the years you gave us