The competition is hotting up in the quest to become Thames Coromandel’s next Mayor. The official three-month election period starts on July 11, but candidates, including incumbent Len Salt, have thrown their respective hats into the ring.
We profile Salt, and those looking to also assume office after the votes are counted.
PATRICK KERR
Mr Kerr has issued a statement:
I have been a resident of Whangamata for nearly ten years and am standing for the Mayoralty of the Thames Coromandel District Council in our upcoming Local Government Elections.
I am a retired businessman having run and owned a number of successful multi-faceted enterprises during my commercial career.
As part of my commitment to our Community, I have for the past 3 years chaired Enterprise Whangamata Inc., our local Business Association.
If You Believe Change is Required – Vote for Me
I believe the Thames Coromandel District Council (TCDC) must undergo fundamental changes to become more accessible and accountable to ratepayers. I bring a results-focused, no nonsense approach to governance anchored in financial and business acumen, proven experience and determination. We face significant challenges.
TCDC is overdue for a reset. Council spending is out of control. Too many decisions are driven by political agendas that do not reflect the real needs of residents and ratepayers. I want to be part of the solution, focusing on revitalising our Council in cost-effective, practical ways, getting back to basics, and ensuring our core services are fit for purpose.
I am committed to cutting wasteful council spending, minimising rates, and tackling the District’s ballooning debt. I am determined to restore financial health to TCDC and revitalise our district that has been languishing under the current leadership.
I stand for:
- A fair(er) deal for all ratepayers
- Strong accountability (results, value for money)
- Making every dollar count (back to basics – core services only)
My pledge and my commitment to you is:
- Back to Basics: relentless focus on Council’s core purpose, business and spending.
- Fiscal Prudence: Capped rate increases at the lower of CPI or 3% pa.
- Community Board Empowerment: Community-led, cost benefit-based services funded by local targeted rates.
- Real Transparency: Open meetings, rotating Council sessions through all four wards, and six-monthly reporting showing exactly where your money is going.
- Economic Development: from more to better: focus on tourism. We have 2/3rds of New Zealand’s population within 2.5 hours of our doorstep.
Your decision: Change or more mediocracy?
PETER REVELL
Mr Revell has issued a statement:
Capable, Experienced Leader
It’s no secret that the Thames-Coromandel District is one of New Zealand’s most cherished places to live and visit. Our stunning beaches, rich history, vibrant culture, and pristine natural environment make it truly special. As a resident, I share the deep passion we all feel for our Coromandel and am committed to making it the best it can be – for our families, our communities, and our visitors.
I’m standing for Mayor to lead a council that delivers affordable, high-quality services and fosters a thriving, connected district we can all take pride in. With my wife Keri and our four adult children and their families behind me, I’m driven by a love for this place and a determination to see it flourish.
My background equips me to lead with confidence and competence. I hold a postgraduate degree in mathematics and spent five years teaching secondary school before transitioning into senior management roles in New Zealand and Australia. These roles included leading large teams – up to 800 staff in my time at Telecom – and serving in other companies as a CEO, Director of Service Delivery, General Manager of Sales & Marketing, and General Manager of Services. This experience honed my ability to deliver results, manage complex operations, and inspire teams to achieve shared goals.
Most crucially, my six years in local government – three on the Thames Community Board followed by three on the Thames-Coromandel District Council – have given me a deep understanding of our district’s needs and the workings of council. I know what it takes to deliver people-focused services while maintaining financial discipline, working closely with our Chief Executive and council staff to get things done.
For the past 13 years, my wife Keri and I have called the beautiful Kauaeranga Valley home, just outside Thames. We’re proud to raise our family here and contribute to the community. I am an active member of our local church and together with Keri, founded Kauaeranga Music, bringing local, national, and international artists to perform at monthly concerts in the historic Kauaeranga Valley Hall. These efforts reflect my commitment to building a vibrant, connected community.
As Mayor, I intend to lead with values that matter:
- Openness: Transparent, honest leadership to build trust.
- Efficiency: Smart, cost-effective delivery of services without wasting resources.
- Environmental Responsibility: Protecting our natural treasures for future generations.
- Restoring Community Voice: Giving local communities a strong voice through collaboration.
- Strong Leadership: Decisive action to deliver real results.
I am dedicated to making our district a better place – to lead a Council that delivers with integrity, efficiency, and vision.
From August I will be sharing clear plans to restore community voices, prioritise core services, and unite councillors to create a thriving, affordable, and environmentally responsible district. With my experience, passion, and family by my side, I’m ready to lead Thames-Coromandel toward a brighter future of which we can all be proud.
LEN SALT
Thames-Coromandel Mayor, Len Salt, has announced a bid for a second term, reflecting on a challenging but rewarding first term shaped by natural disasters and major infrastructure projects.
He comments:
“Being elected Mayor was a privilege — and it quickly became a baptism by fire… or flood,” said Salt, referring to the storms that battered the district in late 2022 and throughout 2023. “These events fast-tracked my understanding of how local and central government must collaborate to deliver timely, effective solutions for our communities.”
That collaboration was key to the swift completion of the Taparahi Bridge on State Highway 25A. Built three months ahead of schedule and $7 million under budget, the project was a testament to coordinated efforts between Council, local communities, Waka Kotahi (NZTA) and central government. Additional upgrades worth $30 million were also undertaken while the road was closed, strengthening the highway’s long-term resilience.
Listening to the concerns of local businesses was a top priority during the recovery, with Salt holding regular meetings with business organisations and owners. “As a former small business operator, I know first-hand how devastating these disruptions can be,” he said. His council’s advocacy led to $13 million in Government support, including $8 million in direct Mayoral Relief funding for affected businesses. “I have been fortunate to have a dedicated team of Councillors, and a highly capable Chief Executive and staff.”
Before entering politics, the Mayor Len built a career in the food, timber, and music retail sectors and dedicated many years to voluntary community service. He founded the Mercury Bay Resource Recovery Centre (Wahi Tukurua), which is now working in partnership with Council on a new purpose-built facility—delivering on a core campaign promise.
Looking ahead to a second term Salt’s objectives are:
* Establish a more effective system of local representation to give communities a stronger voice in Council decisions.
* Improve engagement between Council and communities, ensuring operational teams and elected members work closely together on local projects.
* Support volunteer groups with clear pathways and Council cooperation to bring grassroots initiatives to life.
* Work with our solid waste contractors to shift transfer stations to Council or community-led management.
* Finalise studies into a secure alternative water supply for Whitianga.
* Explore options for resuming a ferry service to Coromandel.
* Continue advocating for long-term investment in the Coromandel Resilience Program and roading network, including SH25 and local roads.
* Partner with Hauraki Coromandel iwi on economic development and post-settlement initiatives.
* Push for a fair share of the International Visitor Levy to fund vital peak-season infrastructure.
* Complete the Totara Valley development, unlocking land for approximately 300 new homes.
* Advance district-wide planning to support both community and Council operated aquatic facilities in Thames, Whangamatā, Coromandel, and Whitianga.
* Guide the transition of local water services to the new Council Controlled Organisation (CCO) under the “Local Water Done Well” legislation.
* Ensure future water infrastructure investment is strategic, efficient, sustainable, and community-focused.
“I’m standing again because there’s still work to do,” Salt said. “Our communities have shown incredible resilience, and together, we can continue building a future that works for everyone in the Coromandel.”
Voting information
Have your say on who represents your community by voting in the 2025 local elections.
Local elections decide who represents us on our city, district, and regional councils.
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