Nobby Clark returns to mayoral duties
Thursday, 7 March 2024
Invercargill Mayor Nobby Clark has been recovering from heart surgery.
Clark has identified three top priorities for him to tackle upon his return.
Clark has given kudos to his deputy for his performance.
Invercargill mayor Nobby Clark will be back at the civic helm from Monday.
“I’m feeling good and I’m ready to get back to work,’’ he said.
“It’s been a long road to recovery - but I’m well rested up for the challenges ahead.’’
Clark had a heart attack on December 27 and, following double bypass surgery, had been recovering at home.
Asked if his partner Karen Carter and his specialist were OK with the timing of his return he said: “Karen’s OK.’’
Clark was returning about a week before his specialist had earlier suggested. “But that’s fine … I can manage my workloads.’’
His immediate priorities, topping “a long list of 20 to 25”, would be to progress the sale of the Donovan Park farmland, and address both the council’s dispute with residents at Cooper’s Creek and Sandy Point reserve, and criticisms from the Bluff Oyster Festival Committee of consent delays for the demolition the town’s Club Hotel.
Though their styles were different, deputy mayor Tom Campbell had done an exceptional job in his absence, Clark said.
Campbell welcomed Clark’s return. “Now we wish him well and offer our support as he prepares to resume his full duties as mayor next Monday,’’ he said.
Chief executive Michael Day said he was pleased and relieved at Clark’s remarkable recovery, and he thanked Campbell for taking on mayoral duties for the past two months.