Invercargill Mayor Tim Shadbolt is now Sir Tim, having been named a Knight Companion of the Order of Merit in the 2019 New Year Honours list.

Sir Tim received his knighthood for services to local government and the community.  He is New Zealand’s longest-serving Mayor and has been Mayor of both Waitemata and Invercargill cities.

He was first elected Mayor of Invercargill in 1993 and is now in his eighth term in office.

Speaking to the media about his knighthood, Sir Tim said it was not just for him but also for the people of Invercargill.