NEWS
Thursday, July 10, 2025 | hcpost.news
Hauraki-Coromandel Post 3
Government Signs First MOUs Kickstarting WBOP deal
T he Government has signed the first Memoranda of Understanding (MOU) to negotiate a City and Regional Deal with Western Bay of Plenty – marking a significant step towards delivering long- term growth and development opportunities for the region. Coromandel MP Scott Simpson said; “City and Regional Deals are designed to boost economic growth, unlock housing, and better manage local infrastructure. They bring central and local government together to agree on priorities, plan and implement the projects that will bring the most value to our region. The Government has set five key objectives for its new City and Regional Deals (CRD) programme, aiming to improve coordination with councils, boost local economies, and unlock housing and infrastructure growth — all without additional central 1. Better coordination between central and local government. 2.Unlocking regional economic potential and jobs. 3. Supporting housing growth. 4. Improving council asset management and closing infrastructure deficits. 5. Requiring local government to implement key national reforms (e.g. water, RMA, housing). government funding. Objectives include: Central government commitments in CRD negotiations: • More coordinated and senior-level engagement with councils. • Early collaboration on spatial
PHOTO: WESTERN BOP DC
Bowentown in the Western Bay of Plenty is a target for increased economic growth under the Government’s City and Regional deal.
at the decision-making table and better coordination with central government to get things built. This is a great opportunity to shape the region’s future – attracting investment, growing jobs, and delivering better services for local families, “ added Simpson. Negotiations are now
“A significant portion of the southern part of the Coromandel electorate is covered by the Western Bay of Plenty District Council. This is a major opportunity to get real traction on the infrastructure and development the region needs – bringing real benefits to our local towns and communities like Waihi Beach, Katikati, and Ōmokoroa. “We’ll have a stronger voice
and relationships, and to better maintain and plan for future assets. “This is about backing our region’s potential, “Mr Simpson said. “We can now negotiate a 10-year strategic partnership between local and central government for the Western Bay of Plenty – focused on driving growth, cutting red tape, and investing in what matters most to our communities.
planning and system reforms. • New and enhanced funding tools for councils, including access to government expertise and possible revenue-sharing (e.g. mining royalties). • Support for regional growth sectors, with potential government investment in local innovation hubs. The Government expects local councils to strengthen how they manage infrastructure
underway, with the first City and Regional Deal expected to be finalised by the end of 2025. Denise Messiter Enters Thames–Coromandel Mayoral Race with a Call for Bold Change O fficer of the New Zealand Order of Merit (ONZM) Denise Messiter has officially announced
a turning point for Thames– Coromandel. “This is our moment,” she said. “For clarity, for courage, for change that sticks. I’m Denise Messiter— and I’m ready to lead Thames– Coromandel forward.” Her entry into the race adds momentum to what is shaping up to be a closely watched mayoral contest across the district. With other declared candidates, including former business figures and long- time community advocates, voters will have a wide range of choices come election day in October. Messiter is expected to begin community meetings and public events later this month as part of her campaign rollout. The HC Post reached out to Messiter for further comment but did not receive a reply by deadline.
Positioning herself as a clear alternative to the current field of mayoral contenders, Messiter said she will bring a values-based, community- driven approach to council leadership. She emphasised the need for transparent decision- making, environmental protection, and honouring Te Tiriti o Waitangi “as a living commitment.” A cornerstone of her campaign is restoring public trust in council processes. She pledged to demand transparency in key areas including mining activity and foreign investment, both of which have drawn scrutiny from local communities. “I won’t make empty promises,” she said. “I will show up, take responsibility, and do the work.” Messiter’s campaign theme reflects what she describes as
her candidacy for Mayor of Thames–Coromandel, entering the 2025 local government race with a message of urgency, accountability, and inclusive leadership. Messiter, widely respected for her public service and advocacy work, launched her campaign with a strong statement calling for a shift in how the district is governed. “I’m not here for a title,” Messiter said in a statement to CFM. “I’m here because things need to change—and fast. Our infrastructure’s failing. Our projects are behind. Our communities are being left out of decisions that shape their future.”
PHOTO: WIKIPEDIA COMMONS.
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