NZ Elder Welcomes Critic Who Refused Marae Meeting

When Hastings District councillor Steve Gibson publicly refused to attend a council planning session because it was held at a marae (traditional Māori meeting house), many expected backlash. Instead, Māori elder Mike Paku extended an open invitation and a lesson in grace.

"He'll always be welcome on our marae," said Paku, who chairs the council's Māori standing committee. "I'd rather have him publicly state his position so everybody knows where he stands."

Gibson cited discomfort with spiritual practices and te reo Māori (Māori language) being spoken without translation as reasons for skipping the January meeting at Waiohiki marae. He argued council business should happen in "neutral civic spaces" rather than venues with cultural or spiritual significance.

Paku, who has worked in local government for 25 years, sees Gibson's position as an opportunity rather than an insult. "Our responsibility as Māori is to help educate him," he said. "People do change when they become more understanding of what marae are actually all about."

The elder invited Gibson to visit Ruahāpia marae for a traditional welcome ceremony to "start his journey" of understanding. It's an offer that comes with no strings attached and no demands for apology.

Why This Inspires

In an era where cultural and political disagreements often escalate into shouting matches, Paku's approach offers a different path. He's choosing education over anger, invitation over exclusion, and patience over punishment.

His response also highlights something many outside New Zealand may not know: marae aren't just spiritual spaces. During Cyclone Gabrielle in 2023, Waiohiki marae became a critical emergency shelter, hosting people from diverse backgrounds who needed refuge. These community hubs serve everyone, regardless of ethnicity or belief.

The council meeting that sparked the controversy cost $2,570 and was part of New Zealand's legal commitment under the Local Government Act to involve indigenous Māori in decision-making. The law reflects the country's unique position as having an indigenous population with treaty rights, something Paku sees as "something special, to be maintained and embraced."

Matt Mullany, chief executive of local indigenous authority Te Taiwhenua o Te Whanganui ā Orotu, noted that councillors are elected to represent all communities. "Choosing not to attend because it's at a marae raises questions about that representative duty," he said.

Paku isn't naive about the challenges ahead. He knows Gibson's views reflect a broader segment of New Zealand society that questions indigenous inclusion in governance. But he also knows that bridges get built one conversation at a time.

"There will always be guys like Steve that come along," Paku said. "We live in hope."