Delay in airport storyboard as Sir Tim turns 78

Tim Shadbolt. File photo: Luisa Girao
Tim Shadbolt. File photo: Luisa Girao
A planned storyboard acknowledging the life and achievements of Sir Tim Shadbolt is still to see the light of day — five months after the official renaming of a terminal of Invercargill Airport.

The former mayor of Invercargill marked his 78th birthday yesterday and announced a new book to be released in October which promises to "stir the pot for change" in local government.

In October last year, the terminal was officially named after Sir Tim in a private ceremony.

At the time, Invercargill City Council chief executive Michael Day said five signs were placed around the building and a "key piece" of the homage was a storyboard with his story and a life-size picture of Sir Tim, which would be placed near the Air New Zealand check-in.

It was planned to be installed by the end of last year.

Invercargill Mayor Nobby Clark said yesterday he asked about that a couple weeks ago.

"The last thing I heard is Asha [Dutt, Sir Tim’s partner] had not agreed with it."

Ms Dutt confirmed the process was ongoing.

"It’s still [in] the works. Hope to have the final draft finished in a month or two.

"The holdup was at our end. I took some time away from the project, after the renaming."

She also provided a statement from Sir Tim on his birthday.

"I feel really lucky to be turning 78. I keep a keen eye on current politics and I’d like to think that the peace and love which we advocate for, in my early life, will in time, prevail.

"I want to thank the people of Invercargill for their continuing positive interest in me," he said.

He had previously told the Otago Daily Times, he was working on a new book which he hoped to be released by October this year in time for the local body elections.

It would be a collaboration with his "old mates on Tim’s team", he said.

"I hope we shed some light and stir the pot for change in local government."

Sir Tim is one of the longest-serving mayors in New Zealand’s history.

The Otago Daily Times understands the former mayor is being cared for in a rest-home in Invercargill.

luisa.girao@odt.co.nz