A newly elected Hastings District Council councillor chose not to attend a strategic planning session held on a marae over concerns about process, late notice and the nature of the agenda, which made him feel uncomfortable.
By Linda Hall of Local Democracy Reporting.
Steve Gibson said there were several reasons for his discomfort.
"Firstly, I don't appreciate listening to extended addresses delivered in te reo without translation," he said.
"Particularly when the majority of councillors are not fluent. This limits meaningful participation and understanding.
"Secondly, the spiritual aspects associated with marae proceedings, including references to beliefs that are not consistent with my own Christian faith, make it an uncomfortable environment for me to participate in official council business."
But Mayor Wendy Schollum said these sessions were often held in community venues, including halls, marae and function centres and provide an opportunity to connect with council's varied communities.
She said there had been a discussion about the venue in December.
"The session was originally going to be held at Keirunga Homestead but it was suggested that, since past sessions had already been held in Havelock North, perhaps a marae would be a good option as an alternative. There were no objections from any of those in attendance," Schollum said.
"These forums give councillors dedicated time by themselves as elected representatives to collectively consider and discuss the high-level direction the council wants to take to help inform its Long Term Plan."
She said councillors were encouraged to share their views, test assumptions, and talk about what responsible long-term decision-making is that will deliver the greatest value for the community.
"They are about setting a direction, not making decisions on projects, so future conversations with our community are grounded, realistic and focused on what matters most."
She said Waiohiki Marae was delighted to host the council, and it meant a lot to them after all the challenges they went through after the cyclone.
Gibson said his decision not to attend this particular session was not taken lightly.
"If councillors simply go along with virtue signalling without making a stand, nothing will change. At times, taking a short-term stand is necessary to achieve better long-term outcomes and stronger governance.
"The way this session was structured appeared to place pressure on councillors to conform to a preferred process rather than encouraging open debate and independent thinking.
"I wouldn't expect councillors to attend council meetings held in a church that promotes specific religious doctrines such as conversion therapy.
"I continue to attend council meetings, workshops, training sessions, and site visits, and I remain fully engaged in representing the interests of my constituents."
Schollum said the greatest value for councillors (and therefore the community) comes through taking part in these opportunities.
"These are ongoing discussions and if councillors miss them, it's hoped they connect with other councillors and participate going forward.
"Councillors are not employees of council and, while strongly advised to attend and be informed about what they would miss if absent, the decision was up to them as individuals."
Takitimu Māori ward councillor Heather Te Au-Skipworth said everyone was welcomed onto Waiohiki Marae by mana whenua with aroha and manaaki.
"All councillors in attendance enjoyed their hospitality and aroha, which helped us to engage effectively with one another to make good decisions for our community," she said.
The cost for the venue was $2570, including venue hire and catering.
In December 2025, the council's chief executive, Nigel Bickle, appointed a private investigator to examine allegations by a staff member relating to Gibson's conduct at the Hastings Art Gallery on Friday, December 5.
A council spokesperson said on Thursday that a preliminary assessment had been completed and the Mayor would determine what happened next in the process.
He was the top-polling candidate of all councillors in the October 2025 local body elections.
– LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
SHARE ME