Southland Business Chamber joins call for Nobby Clark to resign

Thursday, 20 June 2024

The Southland Business Chamber has joined a call for Invercargill mayor Nobby Clark to resign, saying it could be a crucial step in protecting the city’s reputation.

Chamber chief executive Sheree Carey said the city deserved leaders who acted with integrity and respected people.

The chamber had deep concern about Clark’s “continued problematic conduct”, notably at the recent United Fire Brigades’ Association event, Carey said.

Clark was accused by attendees of expressing disturbing and offensive views at the event and mocking and embarrassing guests.

An independent investigation found his actions were in breach of the Invercargill City Council’s code of conduct.

Carey said the March 16 incident, as determined by the investigation, highlighted a pattern of behaviour that not only breached the expected standard of conduct for Invercargill’s elected leaders, but also jeopardised the city’s reputation and future opportunities.

She said that pattern included his use of “racially and sexually insensitive language” at an Arts Foundation event in March last year and then on national television during an interview with comedian Guy Williams in March this year.

“The ongoing behaviour exhibited by mayor Clark at various public events … underscores a troubling trend that does not align with the values of our community.

“We believe these actions threaten the cultural and economic vitality of our city.”

Carey believed the actions should not be tolerated. Despite Clark’s health challenges and his subsequent apology, the recurring nature of the incidents indicated a critical need for change within the city’s leadership, she said.

“The chamber firmly believes that Invercargill deserves leadership that acts with integrity and respects the dignity of all individuals.

“Given the repeated nature of these incidents and the unwillingness of mayor Clark to adapt his behaviour, despite previous feedback, the chamber believes that the most responsible course of action would be for mayor Clark to step aside.”

Clark had open-heart surgery in early January. In an apology letter to the United Fire Brigades’ Association, he said he did not usually present in such a way at public events and “felt terrible” after the dinner so sought specialist advice at that time.

A cardiac specialist told him he suffered from “brain fade” – a condition resulting from being on a heart-lung machine during the surgery.

“The condition means that the brain wanders and doesn’t also keep to a normal pattern – by joining and mixing thoughts. With my tendency to have banter, this is now a risk for me ‘going too far’.”

The condition could take two years to pass but would improve over time, his letter said.

Carey noted that Clark had acknowledged his medical condition was affecting his ability to perform his duties to the expected standard.

“Given this admission, his resignation could be a crucial step in protecting Invercargill’s reputation and ensuring progressive and representative leadership for our city.”

The chamber remained dedicated to working with the council to promote business growth and cultural vibrancy in the city, she said.

The chamber’s call for Clark to resign follows an earlier call by Invercargill City councillor Ian Pottinger urging him to resign in the wake of his behaviour at the firefighters’ event.

A council meeting will be held at 2pm on Friday with elected members to decide what, if any, action should be taken against the mayor.

On Thursday, Clark said he had spoken to the chamber earlier that day. He had no further comment.