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This Week’s Issue

Local Government

Fourth candidate for Mayor

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Published on

July 8, 2025

Denise Messiter has announced her candidacy for Mayor of Thames-Coromandel in the 2025 local elections.

On 4 July 2025, Denise Messiter announced her candidacy for Mayor of Thames-Coromandel in the 2025 local elections.

As an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit (ONZM), Messiter offers a distinct perspective, focusing on community-driven change and inclusive values, that will be seen as an alternative to the other mayoral contenders.

In her statement, Messiter outlined her reasons for running: “I’m not here for a title. I’m here because things need to change – and fast. Our infrastructure’s failing. Our projects are behind. Our communities are being left out of decisions that shape their future.”

Denise emphasised the resilience of the district’s people, adding, “It’s time for leadership that reflects that. Leadership that listens, acts, and delivers.”

Messiter pledged to uphold Te Tiriti o Waitangi as “a living commitment,” protect the environment with “action,” and demand transparency, particularly on mining and foreign investment.

“I won’t make empty promises. I will show up, take responsibility, and do the work,” she said, concluding, “This is our moment, for clarity, for courage, for change that sticks. I’m Denise Messiter, and I’m ready to lead Thames–Coromandel forward.”