Labour's Mt Roskill MP Michael Wood said it was "a sad day for the local body left in Auckland". As well as serving on local authorities, Yates had been a unionist, fighter for LGBT rights and environmentalist.
"Staunch, earthy, funny, wise."
Henderson-Massey Local Board chairman Shane Henderson said the West had lost one of its "fiercest, most spirited champions".
Auckland Council member Richard Hills said that among her other attributes, Yates was "a proud lesbian who faced homophobia as an elected member in the 90s".
In a tribute on Facebook, Waitakere Ranges Local Board chairman Greg Presland said Yates was full of passion and energy.
"She had a strong moral compass and a clear set of principles that she worked under. She would decide on what was right and then seek to achieve this result. Whether it was rights for the gay and lesbian community or workers' rights, she stuck to her principles and proudly championed their causes.
"She was a passionate protector of the local environment and worked hard to ensure that the Waitakere Ranges Heritage Area Act was passed and its principles supported."
With a great deal of sadness I wish to note that Denise Yates, a member of the Waitakere Ranges Local Board has...
Posted by Waitākere Ranges Local Board on Tuesday, 23 January 2018
Former Waitakere mayor Sir Bob Harvey said Yates was a knowledgeable and tireless worker for the community.
"She never forgot her roots in the community, of helping and assisting people who were marginalised, who didn't have a voice."
"We have lost an extraordinary, deeply committed woman. The West really is mourning her."
