New Zealand's first MP was questioned after deciding to stay in the two roles – and continue to be paid for both.
In a statement, Arbuckle originally said he would remain as a councilor until October this year to avoid an “expensive” by-election, should he resign before then.
“At this point I believe I'm still doing the job of a councillor,” he said, video calling home from Wellington but still attending most Marlborough District Council meetings in person.
But after “feedback and deliberation”, he said on Tuesday that any money he has received from his council role since October's election would “be donated to a local district community charity”.
Councilors in Marlborough without additional responsibilities were paid $40,250, but Arbuckle sat on the economic finance committee and earned more.
The basic salary of an MP was $163,961, plus office expenses, pension, housing supplements and more.