Southern Squall

In the first of a couple of posts, Invercargill Mayor Tim Shadbolt has put some of his valuable time aside for a politically complex and philosophically demanding interview with the Squall.

Strap on your hard-hats and buckle in for part one of a two-part catch-up, volley and return session with one of New Zealand’s most experienced political players.

Dear Southern Squall I’ve decided to answer the 16 questions you sent me earlier this month in two instalments.

The issues you raised were both politically complex and philosophically demanding and Council work has been hectic recently.

1 – As you head into election year (assuming you have confirmed you are running for re-election?) are you feeling physically and emotionally up for it and why/why not?

Invigorated: Invercargill Mayor Tim Shadbolt (Squall Files)

I’m definitely running in the next elections. I’m physically fit and emotionally charged. I wouldn’t run if I wasn’t brimming with inspirational projects for the future of this city.

The bio-tech industry involving my Auckland Island pigs is only just beginning; film proposals keep rolling in, and we are on the cusp of several major energy projects. As Mayor I’m involved in continual drama and robust debate on a wide range of issues.

As a former concrete contractor I love sewage, rubbish, pipes and construction work. Our Council is on the cutting edge of events, promotions and international space stations. I find Mayoral work stimulating and exciting.

2 – How do you keep your enthusiasm for a job with a Council that has been unwilling to support you in the past?

There is always a degree of tension between a Mayor and Councillors because a Mayor is elected separately and works full-time for the Council. It’s all part of the checks and balances of our democratic system.

On 90% of the issues I’m involved in there has been a high degree of Council support – Zero Fees; an International Airport; ‘The World’s Fastest Indian’; the Civic Theatre upgrade and regional television were just a few examples of projects where I played a leading role and received rock solid support from Council.

There are always a few Councillors that oppose you but once again ‘that’s democracy’. Many projects are initiated by Councillors and generally speaking I will support the majority of projects if I believe they are good for the city. My primary motivation is the social, economic, environmental and cultural well-being of the people.

3 – Is it getting harder to keep fighting political battles as you get older?

To be honest I find subjective questions requiring self-analysis really difficult to answer. Personally I feel really young but at 63 I suppose I am definitely getting older. In theory as you get older you get wiser. The political street battles of the 60′s seemed a lot harder but in those days I was younger and fitter.

My present political battles are more intellectual but I do have the benefit from experience. I’m simply not sure how to answer this. Winston Churchill peaked in his 70′s, but Mayors Garry Moore and Vicki Buck of Christchurch both retired in their 50′s. Perhaps the answer depends on time, location and the person involved.

4 – Do you still feel you can be an effective leader for the city?

I find this question as equally perplexing as Question 3. I don’t want to sound arrogant but of course I feel I’m an effective leader and will continue to be so. That doesn’t mean you always get your own way but you have to be capable of articulating your point of view. A Mayor has no job description so how you express your leadership is up to you.

Some Mayors are quiet, diplomatic and work behind the scenes; others are outspoken, populist; inspirational and act as catalysts for innovative ideas. My style of leadership falls more into the latter category. As Chairman of the Council I have an excellent understanding of Standing Orders and ‘play it by the book’.

Although I’m usually serious on formal occasions such as Council meetings; citizenship ceremonies and weddings, one of my effective leadership tools is humour. During elections; debates; welcoming sports teams and other guests to the city, or graduation ceremonies, I find you can lift people’s spirits with humour and goodwill.

5 – What would you like to happen in October’s elections in terms of the make-up of the new Council? And do you think there needs to be significant change in personnel around the Council table?

Naturally I’d like to see the best candidates for the job get elected and there will always be some new blood on Council as some Councillors inevitably retire.

However, elections are one aspect of local government when the voters are absolutely in control. I’m proud of the fact that we usually have twice the national average when it comes to voter turnout and I’m confident that either intuitively or rationally voters will make the best choice possible under the circumstances.

6 – You’ve been keeping out of the media spotlight, not responding to some media requests. The Southland Times says you are “sulking” – what are your thoughts on these perceptions?

I feel this is a rather loaded question and highlights my concern that ‘Squall’ is biased toward the media. I’ve listened to your podcast and read your comments on my relationship with the news media and you seem to view every dispute from the perspective of the media.

I did have a media holiday over Christmas (as I did the year before) and explained in my Express column of 21 January exactly why; “I believe politicians cause indigestion over Christmas” etc etc. Even John Key went to Hawaii and had a media holiday over Christmas.

The symbiotic relationship between politicians and the media is a delicate one. Mayor Warren Cooper of Queenstown refused to talk to the Mountain Scene for 2 years because he claimed they abused him and he wasn’t a masochist. I’m not that extreme but I must confess that when I’m receiving 6-10 media calls a day, those that abuse my openness do slip down the priority queue.

For example, I will be very gun-shy if approached by the BBC again about a story on triplets from Zimbabwe. The other problem I have with the Times is that ironically I’m in competition with them. I have my own columns in the Times and Express; I have a weekly radio interview and two regular TV shows on CUE.

I don’t want other journalists jumping in on all my original ideas and activities. As Mayor I constantly issue press statements and over the last couple of months I’ve appeared in 17 newspaper stories; responded to 6 radio interviews; engaged in 12 national TV appearances and 5 regional TV appearances.

Southern Squall may constantly criticise me for not getting involved in enough media work, but let me assure you I’m equally criticised by others for being too much of a show pony and publicity seeker.

I doubt that any other Mayor in Southland has had as much involvement with the media as I’ve had over the last month.

7 – In the past you have been very open with your thoughts. Do you think you’ve been bitten too often by being open and opinionated?

Once again your question suggests that I’ve withdrawn from the media when I don’t feel this is the case. When I’m not snowed under with Council work I’ve always tried to be direct, honest and speak from the heart to reporters and will continue to do so.

At Rutherford High School I was founder and editor of our school magazine and at university was editor of Craccum, the student newspaper. In 1975 I was president of the East Timor Action Committee and organised a protest march when several journalists were shot. I admired the heroic reporters who risked their lives covering numerous wars (you should see the film ‘Balibo’).

I’m not so impressed with the gutter press who hound celebrities and royalty to the point of contributing to their death (ie Princess Di). However, I accept the fact that in every profession you have heroes and scumbags.

Just one example you use to attack me was the article by Evan claiming I had been on ‘sabbatical’ from Mayoral duties in the past few weeks.

I rang Evan and complained bitterly about this misquote. I was at university for 5 years and I know what a ‘sabbatical’ is. Every 7 years Professors get a year off for a ‘sabbatical’ (Latin). They’re on full pay but they use the ‘time off’ to re-evaluate their courses, update themselves and reflect on their lectures. I constantly refer to my sabbatical as the 3 years I had off during Mayor Harrington’s term in office.

This may come as a profound shock to you guys but sometimes reporters get it wrong. I usually forgive and forget because I too make mistakes occasionally but if you’re going to persecute me for every error reporters make I suppose I’ll be forced into the tedious task of calling for retractions. How boring is that. I would prefer to tell the journalist personally when he or she has made a mistake rather than go squealing to their boss.

Tim Shadbolt, Mayor.