8 Oct 2025

Reflecting on the term of Tory Whanau

From Nights, 8:10 pm on 8 October 2025

Wellington mayor Tory Whanau gave her valedictory address earlier today. 

She took the opportunity to call out fellow councillors who had spread salacious rumours about her during her term and said the harassment she had suffered she wouldn't wish on anyone.

In May this year, Tory Whanau announced she would not be running again for mayor but would contest the city's Maori ward seat.

To reflect on an eventful term, The Spinoff's Wellington editor Joel Macmanus joins Emile Donovan.

An independent report reveals Wellington Water staff took four months to tell the region's councils about an error in budgeting advice, which has left the councils with a bill of $51 million over three years.

Photo: RNZ / Reece Baker