Preliminary results in the 2025 Thames–Coromandel District Council election show Peter Revell with a narrow lead in the mayoral race, positioning him ahead of incumbent Len Salt and Whangamatā’s Patrick Kerr as counting continues.
As of the first count, Revell has received 3,211 votes, followed by Kerr on 2,703 and Salt on 2,593. Other candidates include Denise Messiter (1,268), Steve Hart (691), and James Subritzky (349). While not yet final, the early results suggest a potential change in leadership for the district, pending the completion of special and late votes.
Revell is a former Thames Community Board member who went on to serve as a Councillor in the last triennium. Now, it appears he could be Mayor.
In a statement provided by TCDC, Revell said of the results:
“I am delighted to be elected as Mayor to lead the Thames-Coromandel District. I want to express my thanks to everyone in all our communities who took the time to vote and participate in shaping the future of our district. Your voice matters, and your confidence in me is acknowledged and very much appreciated.
“To all the candidates who stood in this election – thank you for your commitment to your communities. You have put yourself forward at considerable personal cost of time and energy. Democracy is alive and well when people who are committed to a thriving district step forward to represent their neighbours and share their vision.
“I have received a very supportive congratulatory call from outgoing mayor Len Salt who wished me all the best. I thank him for his contribution to our district over the past three years.
“I extend my congratulations to all the newly elected and re-elected members of Council. I look forward to working alongside you as a strong, collaborative team. Together, we will serve our communities with integrity, transparency, and a shared focus on delivering the outcomes our residents and ratepayers expect and deserve.
“I also want to acknowledge our Chief Executive, Aileen Lawrie and her dedicated staff at the Thames-Coromandel District Council. Their collective expertise and ongoing service are invaluable as we transition into a new term and continue to navigate the challenges and opportunities ahead.
“This is a time to come together – to listen, to engage, and to act. I’m excited about what we can achieve by working collaboratively across our communities, iwi partners, local businesses, and community organisations.
“The direction of travel is now set. So let’s all begin the job of working together to make our district the place we aspire for it to be.
“Let’s get to work.”
Turnout across Thames–Coromandel was recorded at around 42 percent, slightly below 2022 levels, with final figures still to come.
In the council races, a mix of returning and new representatives are currently leading:
- Coromandel–Colville Ward: Robert Ashman holds the lead.
- Mercury Bay Ward: John Grant, Flemming Rasmussen, and Tony Brljevich are the top three.
- South-Eastern Ward: John Freer and Alison Smith are currently ahead.
- Thames Ward: Greg Hampton, Robyn Sinclair, and Martin Rodley are leading.
- Te Tara o Te Ika Māori Ward: Michael Barlow was elected unopposed.
For the community boards, early leaders include Gavin Jeffcoat (Coromandel–Colville), Kim Abrahamson (Mercury Bay), Michael Bush (Tairua–Pāuanui), Adrian Catran (Thames), and Mark Drury (Whangamatā).
In the Māori ward referendum, preliminary votes show 6,070 in favour of removing the Māori ward and 4,055 in favour of keeping it — a result that, if confirmed, would see the ward disestablished.
Final results, including special votes, are expected in the coming days.
