Wellington mayor Tory Whanau has abandoned her re-election bid, saying she did not want a “Green vs Labour narrative” after former Labour leader Andrew Little entered the race with official party backing.
However, she plans to run for the council’s Māori ward and campaign for Green candidates.
In an interview with NewstalkZB, Whanau rated her mayoral performance a 9 out of 10.
“Change isn’t easy and will always have its critics,” she said.
“When I put my name forward, I was concerned there were no viable candidates,” Whanau said in explaining her stepping aside from the mayoral race.
“Andrew’s entry changed the game.” She said Little had “the skills and experience to unite our council,” and that her stepping aside was “what’s best for the city.”
Whanau’s decision spares Wellington a potentially bruising fight between Labour and the Greens. Little describes the situation bluntly: “There’s a growing consensus that we need a new direction.”
While Little was gracious towards Whanau despite political and personal challenges, he added: “Wellington faces significant challenges that require urgent attention – from infrastructure issues to unaffordable rates increases.”
Whanau pointed to achievements including cycleways, water investment, and the Golden Mile upgrade, but her term was marred by personal and political instability, and the appointment of a Crown observer.
Little, who said he was approached by supporters “across the political spectrum,” is now in a field that includes councillor Ray Chung, businessman Karl Tiefenbacher, and conservationist Kelvin Hastie.
Centrist Ltd.