In memory of those courageous souls who fought for truth, justice, and the fundamental freedom to choose for themselves.
2025
(19 February 1947 – 8 January 2026)
With Sir Tim was the champion of justice for the little person, ‘the underdog’, and it was those kinds of convictions that washed him up on the shores of justice for the cannabis community.
He was introduced to the Aotearoa Legalise Cannabis Party by a fellow member and university friend Tony Brown.
Sir Tim’s involvement with the Aotearoa Legalise Cannabis Party was brief but significant. In 1996, he was listed on the party's party list, indicating his support for the legalization of cannabis. This was part of a broader trend of political engagement during his lifetime, where Shadbolt was known for his active participation in various political campaigns and movements.
His candid approach to politics, including his self-deprecating humor, made him a recognizable figure in New Zealand politics.
It was 1996 parties first election; it was exciting to have such a well-known personality as part of the team. He put his enthusiasm into the campaign for Christchurch East.
Tim Barnett was running for Labour in Christchurch Central and with Tim Shadbolt and they had a bit of fun with a two Tims! We believe that it was the influence of contact with Tim Shadbolt and the ALCP that set Tim Barnett once he got in for Labour in Christchurch Central, on the path to help set up the first Health Select Committee on Cannabis in 1998 to investigate the mental health effects on cannabis.
The ‘Health Select Committee’ recommended that the matter should go to the Justice Select Committee and so the matter of ending prohibition was passed from pillar to post for over 20 years, until the failed Referendum in 2020.
Sir Tim also became the ALCP Deputy Leader doing his best to high-light the need for cannabis law reform in his two years of service to the party. He promoted the multiple values of the Hemp Industry for the environment and the economy as well as the need for the medicine.
We are saddened by his passing. We are thankful Sir Tim also gave his energy to the Aotearoa Legalise Cannabis Party. The world has lost a great light and advocate for justice. Just as Sir Tim never gave up on trying to make the world a better place, the ALCP also have not given up on changing the law for recreational use of cannabis also helping to make the world a better place.
We send our love and condolences to family and friends.
In loving memory Michael Allan Britnell
23 October 1951 - 8 May 2024
Aotearoa Legalise Cannabis Party President
1996 - 2024
Michael Britnell, life member,
ALCP President and Christchurch Central candidate:
“Decades of mistrust have gradually eroded public confidence in New Zealand’s government. Increasingly, many people no longer accept official claims about cannabis and other drugs at face value, while alcohol — which causes clear and well-documented harm — continues to be treated far more leniently. The sensible and straightforward solution is to legalise and carefully regulate cannabis. Doing so would better protect individual freedoms, end the punitive criminalisation of a useful plant, and could transform costly societal losses into billions in lawful revenue for New Zealand.”
We acknowledge and remember those who walked this path with us and have since passed on. Their mahi, their courage, and their aroha for justice helped shape this movement. Though they are no longer here, their Wairua and their legacy remain with us as we continue the work they believed in.
JACKO The Enigma
(19 August 1949 - 4th November 2025)
Dearest Jack,
You were an enigma and a legend, well respected amongst those who knew you in this city. Your passing spells the ending of an era of that olde guard generation who learned to do everything for themselves. Fiercely independent and determined, to create their own space and lifestyle, without being dictated to. Jack was that person.
I met you in the 1970’s when you were living and trading at Wyndham Street. I am not sure how I found out about you, but you were a treasure with honey that so many of us bees wanted a taste of.
I remembering being in awe at your bravery in the face of such harsh penalties that the government Misuse of Drugs Act was dishing out at the time. And when the Drug Squad were mean and vicious, smashing their way into people’s homes in the dawn raids and disrupting their lives – some beyond repair.
Jack was one of the many victims of this regime having two houses confiscated and spending time in jail. It was the law that was wrong not Jack. He was providing a much-needed service where people felt safe to trade. Being busted was a big knockback in a person’s life yet Jack got back up and persisted forward.
In fact, over 50 years later it is barely much better, Hemp and expensive limited medicinal is available but recreational is still illegal, and that is why the ALCP continues to fight to end this unjust law that has hurt so many thousands of people including Jack. And that is why Jack became a member and supported the movement to change the laws on cannabis. If you think about it Jack started trading in cannabis in the 1970’s and was still trading in the 2020’s amounting to over 50 years of dedication to working with cannabis which he really believed in.
Today we call it Green Fairy Service to the community. Jack was one of the original Green Fairies. He deserves an award for this much needed and appreciated service for this amazing herb.
Jack had a varied and colourful life with his fingers in many pies and projects. He was a visionary who never stopped thinking and he was never far from a philosophical conversation about life. I remember his Pool Rooms on High Street, what an achievement, a businessman with great organisational skills.
Jack joined our team at Avon City Backpackers with my husband Michael and about 17 years ago. He arrived as a guest but quickly established himself as caretaker and part time manager and asked to move into the caravan around the back where he had more privacy. We all know how Jack treasured his privacy. All the tourists who met him loved him, with some guests returning and asking if he was still around.
He was a great help during the 2011/12 earthquakes climbing all over the buildings with my husband Michael to make them safer. Jack was by our side during the recent traumatic events of Christchurch including the earthquakes, the 2 x Mosque shootings, one of which was in Linwood Ave and our backpackers was on the edge of the police cordon on Linwood Ave. Also, during Covid, we all lived and supported each other during these dramatic events.
Then when my husband Michael passed suddenly after a short illness in May last year Jack gave me amazing support. He also felt the loss. It was a particularly wet and cold month, and Jack came around many times with wood for my fire and medicine for my heart and taking care of business while I was unable to in my grief. I am very grateful to Jack for all the support he showed in the many levels of life.
I give thanks to God for this precious, rough diamond with some sharp edges, that shared his life and shone his light amongst us all.
Jack you were well loved and will be greatly missed.
Love and Peace be with you, Irinka Britnell and on behalf of Michael Britnell
