New Invercargill deputy mayor Nobby Clark starts 'unique' job

Wednesday, 21 October 2020

Nobby Clark says he’s taken on a job with more duties attached to it than other deputy mayors in New Zealand, although just why he felt that way he is keeping to himself.

Clark started as Invercargill's new deputy mayor on Tuesday after Mayor Sir Tim Shadbolt appointed him to replace Toni Biddle who resigned.

Clark said he and Shadbolt would make a good team and would make it work for the city’s sake.

“We’ve got a unique situation in Invercargill. My role to support the mayor is wider than it would be if I wasn’t in Invercargill, there is no secret about that.

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**

“I will go to some meetings with Tim, sometimes I will go on his behalf. We are going to work together as a team and make things work for the city.’’

When asked why Invercargill had a unique situation where the deputy mayor had a bigger workload than other deputy mayors, Clark said he would not comment on that.

When Biddle departed the job she said she felt she was doing Shadbolt’s job because he had “stepped back, and someone had to step up’’.

Although in response to Clark's suggestion the Invercargill deputy had a bigger workload than traditional deputy mayors, Shadbolt said he and his deputy did not receive the same staffing support as elsewhere in the country.

“I have long advocated for research, strategy, and communications support. I currently have minimal administrative support and no ‘out in the field’ support which is the norm for many MPs and mayors,’’ Shadbolt said.

Shadbolt said Clark will have to attempt to provide the cover that dedicated staff offer in other many other mayoral offices.

“This is a unique aspect of the Invercargill deputy role that other deputies are not expected to undertake around New Zealand and it will surprise many people I have been expected to function almost completely alone,” Shadbolt said.

Clark said he and Shadbolt’s focus would be on working alongside various external stakeholders to build better relationships.

“We are going to focus on the links that aren’t as strong as they should be, we are going to do some work on that.’’

Clark said that work had already started, which included meeting with Chamber of Commerce representatives who have been critical of the leadership at the council.

Shadbolt was confident he and Clark would work together well.

“We are optimistic of a positive working relationship… He has made it clear he will not seek to undermine me given he has made it very clear that he doesn't want my job. This is also a unique occurrence that hasn't happened for some time.

“We have a checklist, and we are determined to positively steer the councillors who want positive progress for the city.’’