Hastings Councillor Boycotts Marae Strategic Session, Citing Discomfort with Te Reo and “Spiritual Aspects”

By Lions Roar Aotearoa Local Government Bureau

HASTINGS, NEW ZEALAND (Thursday, January 29, 2026) — A newly elected Hastings District Council member has sparked debate after boycotting a key strategic planning session because it was held at a marae.

Steve Gibson, the top-polling candidate in the October 2025 local body elections, chose not to attend the session at Waiohiki Marae, raising concerns over the use of te reo Māori without translation and spiritual practices he claims conflict with his Christian faith.

🏛️ A Stand Against “Virtue Signalling”

Gibson stated that his decision to stay away was a matter of principle regarding council governance and process.

Language Barrier: Gibson argued that extended addresses in te reo Māori without translation limit participation for non-fluent councillors.
Faith Conflict: He expressed discomfort with the spiritual protocols of the marae, stating they were inconsistent with his own beliefs. “I wouldn’t expect councillors to attend meetings held in a church that promotes specific religious doctrines,” he noted.
The “Stand”: Gibson labeled the venue choice “virtue signalling” and suggested the structure pressured councillors to conform rather than engage in independent thinking.

🗳️ The Mayor’s Response: “Opportunity to Connect”

Mayor Wendy Schollum defended the choice of venue, noting that sessions are held in various community spaces—including halls and function centres—to better connect with the diverse Hastings community.

Agreed Alternative: Schollum clarified that the venue was discussed in December. Originally planned for Keirunga Homestead, the move to a marae was suggested as an alternative, with no objections raised at the time.
Recovery Significance: She highlighted that Waiohiki Marae was honored to host the council, especially given the challenges the community faced following the 2023 cyclone.
Individual Choice: While “strongly advising” attendance for the sake of informed decision-making, the Mayor acknowledged that councillors are not employees and can choose whether to participate.

⚖️ Allegations and Investigations

The boycott comes amid internal tension within the council. In December 2025, Council Chief Executive Nigel Bickle appointed a private investigator to look into allegations regarding Gibson’s conduct at the Hastings Art Gallery on December 5.

A council spokesperson confirmed today that a preliminary assessment of that investigation has been completed, with the Mayor set to determine the next steps.

📊 The Divide: Key Perspectives

Person	Position	Viewpoint
Steve Gibson	Councillor	Stayed away over te reo use, spiritual discomfort, and “poor process.”
Wendy Schollum	Mayor	Marae sessions help councillors connect with the wider community.
Heather Te Au-Skipworth	Māori Ward Councillor	Noted that everyone was welcomed with “aroha and manaaki” (love and hospitality).
Nigel Bickle	CEO	Appointed PI to investigate conduct allegations against Gibson.