Section 4 of Hastings District Council’s own Code of Conduct is deeply concerning. It contains provisions on “tino rangatiratanga,” “partnership,” “equity,” “active protection,” and “options” — all framed as Treaty principles.

This is not about councillor conduct at all. It is about restricting councillors’ ability to do their job as representatives of the whole district. By embedding these provisions, councillors are forced to prioritise one group above others, rather than exercising their judgement independently on behalf of all residents and ratepayers. That is a dangerous overreach.

I would like to know where the current mayoral candidates stand on the adoption of this clause. As for myself, if elected, I would move to remove Section 4 entirely. It has no relevance to conduct and undermines the basic democratic role of councillors.

Councils should be guided by fairness, accountability, and open debate — not political obligations hidden within a code of conduct.

Steve Gibson

Mayoral Canditate Hastings