The Thames-Coromandel District’s local election campaign got into full swing today, as six of the mayoral candidates came together in Whitianga for the first in a series of public meetings ahead of October’s vote.
Incumbent Mayor Len Salt, current councillor Peter Revell, businessman Patrick Kerr, Chief Executive of Te Whāriki Manawāhine o Hauraki, Denise Messiter, along with academic Steve Hart and newcomer James Subritsky, each made their pitch to a local audience, outlining distinct visions for the future of the district.
Messiter has launched a bold and community-driven campaign, focusing on marginalised voters, for the 2025 local elections, under the banner “This is our moment.”
She told the crowd she is an advocate for the public: “I bring my experience with central government, with policy and legislative analysis-I bring many firsts with me.”
” I am a leader who listens, I’m a leader who takes action. I can walk comfortably in the Maori world and the Pakeha world,” she added.
Messiter backs a robust, climate-resilient review of projects like the Thames sea wall, saying: “We cannot afford short-term fixes,” before saying she would bring a Youth and Maori advisory board to council- if elected.
Patrick Kerr, a retired businessman and chair of Enterprise Whangamatā, is positioning himself as the change candidate. Calling for a “back to basics” reset of Council priorities, Kerr pledged to cap rates, reduce what he described as wasteful spending, and restore power to community boards.
Kerr championed “Targeted economic development,and a “vibrant Coromandel.” He believes Council should focus on growth, particularly during the shoulder season, and “play towards our strengths, transparency and openness.”
He fired a salvo at the current administration when he said, “TCDC is using us like an ATM.”
Peter Revell, a former IT executive with six years’ experience on Council, is campaigning on a platform of transparency, efficiency, and stronger community engagement. Revell has stated that he will focus on delivering smart, cost-effective service, promoting environmental sustainability, and fostering closer ties between the Council and its residents.
During his turn on the microphone, Revell pledged “Transparency and clarity so that everyone knows what’s going on” if elected Mayor. He also urged voters to recognise his background as a councillor, saying they should not underestimate the benefit of executive leadership.
Incumbent Mayor Len Salt, who is seeking a second term, pointed to his leadership during a turbulent period marked by major weather events and infrastructure challenges. He cited the rapid rebuild of SH25A, securing $13 million in business recovery funding, and ongoing housing and services improvements as key achievements of his term.
“I’m proud we got that road open- three months ahead of schedule and seven million dollars under budget,” Salt said.
He also cautioned against stripping back essential services, like roads and libraries, for the sake of rates reduction, before outlining his support for the contentious issue surrounding Maori Wards, saying the wards had been an” Exceptional success” in other regions adding the “Maori economy is growing at an exponential rate.”
Candidate Steve Hart aimed at council infrastructure and the hiring of international consultants to plan the Coromandel’s future: ” The system is broken, we need to fix it, ” he said.
Hart said a Mayor leading council should look forward ” by planning, strategising”, before turning to the crowd as a collective and asking, ” What do we want?- We’ve got to do better for our children and our children’s children.”
Late to the ballot was James Subritsky, who drew laughs by telling the crowd his car had broken down nine kilometres out of Whitianga and was ad-libbing his speech as he had left his notes behind.
Looking towards solutions to the region’s healthcare issues, Subritsky was promoting a local program called Camp Coromandel–an initiative to help people with addiction. ”
He also said the council should prioritise the development of so-called “community businesses” to develop new businesses in empty shops to encourage mentorship and keep youth crime statistics low through employment. He also added TCDC should “look after us first, then the government.”
With local government elections set for 11 October 2025, today’s meeting marked the beginning of a critical three-month campaign period for candidates across the Thames-Coromandel District. More public events are expected in the coming weeks as voters weigh their options for mayor, councillors, and community board members.
How to Vote in the 2025 Thames-Coromandel Local Elections
The Thames-Coromandel District Council has two key decision-making bodies: the Council and Community Boards.
During the 2025 local elections, you can vote for:
- The Mayor
- Councillors, including one from the Māori ward
- Community Board members
Who can vote?
If you’re enrolled to vote by mid-September, you’ll receive a voting information pack in the mail.Your voting pack will include:
- Your voting papers
- A guide explaining how to vote
- A list of candidates
- Voting dates
- Information on ballot box locations
How to return your vote
You can:
- Post it back using the free return envelope provided
- Drop it in to any official ballot box at Council area offices
Key dates
📬 Voting packs delivered: 9 – 22 September 2025
🗳️ Voting closes: 12 noon, 11 October 2025
