Shadbolt defiant in face of unflattering review
An independent review of the Invercargill City Council says Mayor Sir Tim Shadbolt is struggling to fulfil significant aspects of his job and as a result there is a leadership void at the council.
The council yesterday released the findings from an independent review into the council which was prompted by the Department of Internal Affairs that raised concerns about the council’s performance.
The review was put together by two independent consultants after gathering feedback from elected members and senior staff.
The report says there is a clear consensus that Shadbolt, 73, is struggling in the role.
The report also says ‘‘three southern mayors’’ contacted report authors Bruce Robertson and Richard Thomson raising concerns about Shadbolt.
The report written by independent evaluator Thomson says Shadbolt’s difficulties are becoming increasingly apparent.
Shadbolt, deputy mayor Nobby Clark and chief executive Clare Hadley fronted the media yesterday soon after media were provided a copy of the review. Councillors also attended.
Shadbolt read a lengthy statement in which he rubbished much of the report findings, saying he felt he had been unfairly singled out as part of the review. That is despite Shadbolt, in a public excluded meeting on November 12, voting in favour of accepting the report.
‘‘The actual content of the report I’m not willing to wear. The report will have you believe that the dysfunction of this current council rests squarely on myself and my new deputy Nobby Clark.
‘‘I consider the report is flawed and does not mention a single other councillor ... as a contributor to the ongoing conflict and jostling for power at the council,’’ Shadbolt said. He said he was not prepared to be the scapegoat.
Shadbolt was asked if he had considered resigning following the damning review findings. He responded by saying: ‘‘Never’’.
The report also says the working relationship between Shadbolt and Hadley was non-existent.
‘‘There remain significant issues in providing an appropriate link between governance and management due to [Shadbolt’s] inability to perform what would normally be a key function of their role.’’
The report outlines tensions between some elected members and Hadley, who was appointed in 2018.