Former Massey University lecturer Dr Andy Asquith has a PhD in public sector change management, governance, policy and strategy. He wonders "how much longer the minister can fiddle whilst Invercargill burns".
"For any local authority to function with any level of normality, you have to have understanding between the CEO, mayor and deputy mayor," he said.
"I cannot believe what's happening."
Asquith believed the situation had reached a point worse than last November, when Tauranga Mayor Tenby Powell resigned after the Tauranga City Council's decision to bring in a Crown manager on the back of conflict and dysfunction within elected ranks.
In Tuesday's media statement, Shadbolt called the council a "regime" and accused an unnamed staff member of going through his personal documents held in storage at a council-owned building."
"All the councillors took turns to disgrace me for the use of this word [regime], which I consider appropriate," Shadbolt said.
Yesterday, he said he stood by his comments about being bullied, and noted no councillors or staff had checked on his welfare.
Council chief executive Clare Hadley denied the mayor's claim that she appointed a staff member to undertake the task of sorting through his possessions.
Local Government Minister Nanaia Mahuta was approached for comment but could not respond by deadline.