As October’s local elections approach, reporter KELLEY TANTAU continues to put the spotlight on the mayoral contenders, and asks why they think they’re fit to wear the chains.
Denise Messiter says she’s running for Mayor to represent everyone, not just the loudest voices in the room.
The co-founder of Te Korowai Hauora o Hauraki, and Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit, said listening had played a big part in her decision to stand for the Thames-Coromandel district’s top job.
“I’ve been hearing from people who feel their voices haven’t been included enough in council decision-making,” Denise told The Profile. “We have a very diverse district, and everyone deserves to be part of shaping our future.
“I want to be a mayor who sits alongside people, listens to their hopes and ideas, and works with them to build thriving communities and a stronger Aotearoa.”
Denise said a recent Whitianga meet-the-candidates event highlighted the need for “more inclusive and welcoming formats” that gave space to all voices.
More than half of the audience at the event were older women, she said, and came with important questions about local issues, yet there was limited time for everyone to be heard.
“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,” she said.
Denise said she would be announcing a series of smaller meet-and-greet events across the district in the coming weeks, which would “be open to all and designed to give everyone the chance to be heard”.
She said her campaign was beginning to ramp up.
“Things are getting very busy now, with lots of positive encouragement from communities right across the district,” she said. “We’ve had strong engagement, plenty of invites to events, and my team of volunteers are well organised and active on the ground.”
Denise (Ngāti Pukenga, Ngāti Maru) has spent decades in leadership and advocacy roles. She co-founded Te Korowai Hauora o Hauraki, leads Te Whāriki Manawāhine o Hauraki, and was named an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to the community.
She said she was standing for Mayor of Thames-Coromandel to build a council that was “present, transparent, and grounded in the needs of its people”.
“People are tired of being spoken at and overlooked. They want leadership that listens, responds, and reflects their values. That’s exactly what I’m here to offer.”
DETAILS: Updates and confirmed details about Denise’s smaller meet-and-greet events will be posted on the ‘Denise Messiter – Nin For Mayor’ Facebook page as each event is locked in.
