No More Rubbish at Rae O Te Papa

03/07/2025

Denise Messiter (Nin) of Ngāti Pūkenga ki Waiau brings more than 40 years of transformational leadership and frontline local government experience to her candidacy—anchored in values of integrity, service, and connection.

As Chief Executive of Te Whāriki Manawāhine o Hauraki, Denise has demonstrated that leadership isn’t about visibility—it’s about impact. She has delivered essential whānau-centred services while building sustainable economic foundations across the region, ensuring that social wellbeing and financial resilience go hand in hand.

Denise’s legacy of leadership includes the establishment of Te Korowai Hauora o Hauraki, now one of the district’s largest employers. This wasn’t just about bricks and funding—it was about transforming a vision into meaningful local jobs, economic uplift, and a thriving regional future.

Her Housing Network continues to respond to one of the region’s most pressing challenges, offering dignified, community-focused solutions in the face of Aotearoa’s housing shortage. Her ability to deliver with fiscal discipline while thinking big highlights the kind of responsive, responsible governance she would bring to TCDC.

Denise believes growth must not come at the cost of the taiao. Her approach to infrastructure and development is rooted in balance—between people and place, economy and ecology. She has worked closely with farmers, businesses, mana whenua, and environmental groups to lead initiatives that protect natural heritage while unlocking social enterprise opportunities and local investment.

From national advisory roles to international consultancy in infrastructure, climate resilience and digital transformation, Denise brings strategic thinking matched with local understanding. Her track record includes championing connectivity, community health, and disaster response readiness, all critical to building a future-ready Thames–Coromandel.

Honoured with an ONZM for her contributions to community and nation, Denise is a leader who listens deeply, acts decisively, and brings people with her. She is not here to manage decline—she is here to build momentum, restore trust, and lead a council that is present, prepared, and proud to serve.

With Denise Messiter as mayor, Thames–Coromandel will be led with clarity, collaboration, and care.

19/03/2024

We did it whānau!

Come and join with us this Sunday 24 March at Tirohia Marae from 3-5pm so we can honour our maunga, Te Rae o Te Papa and share our thoughts about the land-mark decision by the Environment Court.

After 25 years there maybe relief ahead for our maunga. The Environment Court has dismissed the appeal case by Waste Management instead, upholding the decision by Hauraki District Council and Waikato Regional Council that there will be NO NEW LANDFILL ON OUR sacred MAUNGA.

12/07/2022

Hey whānau tickets to this Saturdays event are still available.
This will be the premiere Matariki event of 2022 with international dining, entertainment and fashion to captivate your senses. You don’t want to miss this one. Reserve your place NOW!!!

✨ANNOUNCEMENT - Matariki Runway✨
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We are excited to announce 3 fashion designers in their own right who will be joining us at this year's Matariki celebrations. 🙌
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Taongahuia Maxwell is of Ngāti Maniapoto, Ngāti Uekaha, Ngāti TeKanawa and Ngāti Apakura descent.
In 2018 Taongahuia launched her fashion label, MATA endeavouring to bring cultural and environmental narratives to her collections, to inspire and inform those seeking meaningful statement wear and providing Kākahu with Kaupapa.
✨www.mata.maori.nz/
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Nichola Te Kiri, of dual Māori and Pākeha heritage, was raised in Kirikiriroa. Her upbringing within two worlds has helped develop her aesthetic for bold and courageous lines, prints and designs.
Nichola's belief in telling a story is important to Nichola. Every item has a journey from inspiration to creation. It is the sharing of this story which makes the taonga come alive.
✨KaistorSt
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Pania Greenaway of Tūwharetoa, Ngāti Maniapoto and Ngāti Hauā descent grew up all around NZ surrounded by artisans and craftspeople. She is Inspired by the stories of her ancestors, indigenous art and craft practices, artisanship, conservation and the idea that clothing should be well-made, treasured and kept for many years.
✨https://pania.co.nz/
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Come and celebrate with a night full of kai, music, fashion, taonga and most importantly whānau.
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TICKETS 👉 https://www.iticket.co.nz/events/2022/jul/matariki-celebrations
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TKDevents Phatmode Entertainment Matariki ki Waikato McCaw Lewis Lawyers

08/11/2021

Whakarongo mai whānau - we need to consider our collective approach

Waste management issues in Parehauraki. Josie Anderson catched up with Matthew Tukaki about this take (Māori) that is causing issues for Ngāti Hako.

08/11/2021

Waste Management are appealing the decision of the Commissioners and going to the Environment Court.

13/10/2021

It's time to send a message to Councils across Waikato, BOP and Gisborne that our sacred maunga is not your dumping ground!

Ngāti Hako are pleased Waste Management's plans to expand the landfill by three million cubic metres has been rejected.

11/10/2021

Decision is out. Its been DECLINED 👏

09/10/2021

Haere Mai whānau.
Heaps of seats😜