Mayoral candidate Denise Messiter says Thames–Coromandel deserves leadership that listens to every part of the community, not just the loudest voices in the room.

At the recent Whitianga meet-the-candidates event, more than half the audience were older women. Many came with important questions about local issues, yet there was limited time for everyone to be heard. For Denise, it highlighted the need for more inclusive and welcoming formats that give space to all voices.

“I want to create spaces where people feel welcome to share their views and know they will be listened to. Smaller, more focused gatherings can give everyone the chance to speak. Older women, our rainbow and takatāpui whānau, tangata whaikaha, and others whose voices are sometimes missing from public debates will be at the centre of these conversations,” says Denise.

Alongside her Aunty Betty Williams and other whānau who were proactive in the Coromandel Watchdog movement, Denise stood against mining on the peninsula for decades. That commitment to protecting the whenua and supporting local communities continues to influence her vision for the district today.

Denise’s campaign focuses on delivering practical, fair outcomes in the areas that matter most to people. She is committed to:

Fair infrastructure and storm recovery that prioritises rural and flood-affected communities, with transparent project updates and climate resilience built into every decision.

Housing affordability and community-led development that supports local housing trusts, Māori-led builds, papakāinga, and multi-generational housing.

Te Tiriti partnership and Māori representation through a genuine co-design approach with mana whenua on all major projects.

Rates and funding reform to ensure fairness for permanent residents and Māori landowners, with greater transparency about where rates are spent.

Youth, digital and transport access including youth forums, public Wi-Fi expansion, and better transport links between towns.

Community voice and democratic accountability so council decisions are explained in plain language and councillors are regularly present in every town.

Denise has spent decades in leadership and advocacy roles, always focused on the issues at the forefront for Hauraki and Thames–Coromandel communities. She co-founded Te Korowai Hauora o Hauraki, leads Te Whāriki Manawāhine o Hauraki, and has built partnerships that create local jobs, improve housing, and strengthen resilience.

Her service to the community has been recognised nationally and internationally. Denise is an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit (ONZM) for services to the community, and a Paul Harris Fellow of the Rotary Foundation of Rotary International for significant assistance given for the furtherance of better understanding and friendly relations among peoples of the world.

She is standing for mayor to build a council that is present, transparent and grounded in the needs of its people. “Everyone deserves to be heard, and everyone should see their priorities reflected in the work of council. That is the kind of leadership I will bring.”

The Nin for Mayor campaign is inviting anyone interested in helping or hosting a community conversation to get in touch. Denise will be announcing a series of smaller meet-and-greet events across the district in the coming weeks.

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