'Step aside': Business Chamber wants Mayor to resign

“Despite Mayor Clark’s health challenges and his subsequent apology, the recurring nature of these incidents indicates a critical need for systemic change within our city’s leadership."

Southland Business Chamber CEO Sheree Carey.

The Southland Business Chamber has called for Invercargill Mayor Nobby Clark to step down following what the organisation says has been problematic conduct from the city’s mayor.

A meeting will be held on Friday to deal with a Code of Conduct complaint lodged by council CEO Michael Day on behalf of the United Fire Brigades Association.

The United Fire Brigades Association [UFBA] CEO Bill Batzbach wrote to the Invercargill City Council on March 28 believing Clark was in “serious breach” of the council’s Code of Conduct following “bizarre” and “inappropriate” actions at a March event that the Mayor and his partner were invited to.

The Southland Business Chamber - which represents a membership of businesses - released a statement on Thursday afternoon where it made its views on the matter clear.

“This incident, as determined by an independent investigation, highlights a pattern of behaviour that not only breaches the expected standard of conduct for our elected city leaders but also jeopardises the reputation and future opportunities for Invercargill, and should not be tolerated,” the Chamber’s release says.

“The ongoing behaviour exhibited by Mayor Clark at various public events, including the use of racially and sexually insensitive language at the Arts Foundation tour and then on national television, underscores a troubling trend that does not align with the values of our community. We believe these actions threaten the cultural and economic vitality of our city.”

Chamber CEO Sheree Carey said: “Despite Mayor Clark’s health challenges and his subsequent apology, the recurring nature of these incidents indicates a critical need for systemic change within our city’s leadership. The Chamber firmly believes that Invercargill deserves leadership that acts with integrity and respects the dignity of all individuals.”

“Given the repeated nature of these incidents and the unwillingness of Mayor Clark to adapt his behaviour despite previous feedback, the Chamber believes that the most responsible course of action would be for Mayor Clark to step aside.” she said.

“Mayor Clark has acknowledged that his medical condition, which could persist for [ years, is impacting his ability to perform his duties to the expected standard. Given this admission, his resignation could be a crucial step in protecting Invercargill’s reputation and ensuring progressive and representative leadership for our city.”

The Southland Business Chamber stated that while it advocated for this change, it remains dedicated to working collaboratively with the City Council to promote business growth and foster a vibrant economic and cultural environment in Invercargill.

Mayor Clark said he spoke the Southland Business Chamber on Thursday but did not have any further comment to make when he was contacted by The Tribune.

The Southland Business Chamber’s call for Clark’s resignation follows councillor Ian Pottinger also saying that at a council meeting on Friday he will suggest Clark should stand down.