Invercargill Mayor Sir Tim Shadbolt has revealed he is battling a health condition he believes is affecting his ability to defend himself.
Two weeks ago, Shadbolt said he was having several doctor visits to clear theories surrounding his health.
Speculation has swirled on the back of a recent drivers licence suspension, and a critical independent report highlighted short term memory deficits late last year.
Shadbolt has now revealed he has been diagnosed with muscle tension dysphonia.
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The common voice disorder occurs when muscles around the larynx become tight and prevent the voice box from working efficiently.
He said he had tubes put down his throat to confirm the diagnosis and was keen to keep on top of the condition considering his voice was his main form of defence.
Invercargill mayor Sir Tim Shadbolt says he had tubes put down his throat to confirm the diagnosis and was keen to keep on top of the condition considering his voice was his main form of defence.
Despite revealing the condition, he declined to discuss what else was covered in the doctor visits.
He originally did not rule out making the medical reports public at the time he was awaiting further results.
Asked two weeks ago if memory issues were something he hoped to clear up with the doctor visits, Shadbolt replied it could be.
Shadbolt has consistently disputed any suggestion his health was affecting his ability to do the job.
I challenged the councillors when this [my health] was raised. Maybe six to 18 months ago.
They said youre too weak to be the mayor.
Invercargill Mayor Sir Tim Shadbolt at the city council meeting in 2020.
I said Id challenge any councillor over 70- to a 100-metre sprint, a 30m swim, and well see who comes out the fittest.
Shadbolt said nobody took him up on the offer.
The mayors health was highlighted in the Thomson Report last year which stated many interviewees had noticed a decline in Shadbolts capabilities.
Many interviewees reported a range of obvious concerns including short-term memory deficits, confusion, and the need to be closely managed by both council staff and senior councillors in order to chair a council meeting, it said.
The mayors health was highlighted in the Thomson Report last year which stated many interviewees had noticed a decline in Sir Tims capabilities. (File photo)
Concerns about his performance have continued in the wake of the report.
Shadbolt also opened up further on his relationship with his deputy Nobby Clark which has soured in recent times.
Last month, Shadbolt labelled Clark Brutus after he said Shadbolt should front up over his licence being suspended.
Invercargill deputy mayor Nobby Clark, left, and Mayor Sir Tim Shadbolt at an Invercargill City Council meeting. (File photo)
Clark said communication between the pair was limited, but he had spoken to him for about an hour on Tuesday.
Asked if they were still talking, Shadbolt said there was still some communication.
Yeah, I saw him in the cafe actually.
Talk about an awkward moment!
Shadbolt said calling his deputy Monty was the one shred of comedy left in his life.
People think it has some reference to the male apparatus, its not apparently.
I heard through the grapevine that he hates it.
When asked about it, Clark said Monty was the name of Shadbolt cat which died about five years ago.
Despite admitting he is slowing down and not enjoying the job as he used to, Shadbolt said he had no intention of hanging up the chains prematurely.
You cant predict the future. According to statistics, well, anything can happen.
Its a mixture of genetics and lifestyle. Predetermined, when you have to throw the towel in.