Embattled Invercargill Mayor Sir Tim Shadbolt has again found himself at odds with his council - this time over Christmas cards. Photo: Stephen Jaquiery/ODTWhile he has been mayor, Shadbolt has sent out Christmas cards on the ratepayer dollar. Last Thursday, Shadbolt emailed council chief executive Clare Hadley to make sure the "usual staff" were available to produce the cards. Hadley responded to the email that evening asking for clarification about the meaning of "your" Christmas cards, and expressing concern the expenditure would not meet the auditor-general's guidelines. Speaking after the meeting, Shadbolt said the card dilemma had not created as much of a stir as he expected it would, and sounded philosophical about the change of medium.

Source: Otago Daily Times November 10, 2021 08:19 UTC