02/08/2026
The sudden passing of To’osavili Nigel Bickle, Chief Executive of Hastings District Council, has deeply saddened the teams at Kauwaka and Taiea.
Nigel was one of the strongest champions of Māori in local government. His leadership was courageous, genuine, and unwavering. He understood that investing in language, culture, and Māori aspirations strengthened our entire community, and he backed that belief with action.
Without Nigel’s vision and steadfast support, the Toitū Te Reo festival would never have become a reality. He stood alongside us from the beginning, believing in the vision and helping bring it to life. His encouragement also extended to Taiea, where he recognised and championed the importance of Māori design, creativity, and enterprise as expressions of our identity and culture.
These reflections are only a small glimpse of the many qualities that made Nigel such an exceptional leader and person. His legacy will continue to live on through the people, initiatives, and communities he inspired.
Moe mai rā, hai te hoa, Nigel. We extend our deepest aroha to your whānau, friends, colleagues, and everyone mourning your passing.
Thank you, Nigel. Thank you for believing in Kauwaka, Taiea, our people, our language, and our future. Your legacy will never be forgotten.
Haere rā ki te kāinga tūturu o te tangata.
Nā mātau katoa i roto i te pōuri nui.
