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An independent review from the Invercargill City Council says Mayor Sir Tim Shadbolt is struggling to fulfill important aspects of his job and as a result there is a leadership vacuum in the Council.
The board released the results of an independent board review that was promoted by the Department of Home Affairs that raised concerns about the board’s performance.
The review conducted by two independent consultants after collecting feedback from elected members and senior staff.
The report says there is a clear consensus that Shadbolt is fighting for the job.
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The report also says that “three mayors from the south” contacted the report’s authors, Bruce Robertson and Richard Thomson, expressing concern about Shadbolt.
The report says Shadbolt’s difficulties are becoming increasingly apparent.
Shadbolt, Deputy Mayor Nobby Clark and the CEO addressed the media on Monday shortly after the media received a copy of the review.
Councilors also attended.
To the surprise of all in attendance, Shadbolt read a lengthy statement in which he dismissed much of the report’s findings, saying he felt it had been unfairly flagged as part of the review.
That’s despite the fact that Shadbolt, in an excluded public meeting on November 12, voted to accept the report.
“I am not willing to use the actual content of the report. The report will have you believe that the dysfunction of this current council rests squarely on me and my new deputy Nobby Clark.
“I consider the report to be flawed and does not mention any other council member … as a contributor to the ongoing conflict and fighting for power on the council,” Shadbolt said.
Shadbolt was asked if he had considered resigning after the results of the conviction review, to which he responded by saying “never.”
He again noted his belief that there was a “toxic” culture in the council and there were “factions” on the main issues.
Shadbolt also reiterated his belief that the council did not provide him with enough staff support to do his job properly and his partner Asha Dutt has had to take on some duties on a voluntary basis.
His statements shocked the councilors who attend the press conference where Shadbolt unloaded with his statement.
The report also says that the relationship between Shadbolt and Hadley was non-existent.
MORE TO COME …
