Tim Shadbolt coy on France hotel investment idea as ratepayers give thumbs down

Invercargill Mayor Tim Shadbolt, never backward in coming forward, surprisingly declined to talk to TVNZ1's Seven Sharp about the idea he has mentioned in the past of using city funds to help purchase a hotel in France.

At least one New Zealand council has agreed to invest in a hotel in Le Quesnoy. 

It's a building which has great historical significance for Kiwis.  Le Quesnoy is a World War One battle site where 135 New Zealanders lost their lives freeing the town from German occupation. 

But should ratepayers foot the bill for the hotel investment?  The local ratepayers' group says "no".

Reporter Julian Lee went to Invercargill to see what's going on and you can see his full story in the video above.