Tory Whanau

Whanau has ancestors from Pakakohi and Ngāruahine.{{cite magazine |url=https://issuu.com/capitalmag/docs/capital_82 |title=A run for office |first=Tessa |last=Johnstone |magazine=Capital |issue=82 |page=37–42 |issn=2324-4836 |access-date=11 July 2022 |archive-date=11 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220711104614/https://issuu.com/capitalmag/docs/capital_82 |url-status=live }}{{cite news |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/news/wellington/129112698/wellington-mayoral-candidates-bold-plan-to-pedestrianise-cuba-st |title=Wellington mayoral candidate's bold plan to pedestrianise Cuba St |first=Tom |last=Hunt |work=The Dominion Post |publisher=Stuff |date=30 June 2022 |access-date=2022-07-11 |archive-date=11 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220711104801/https://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/news/wellington/129112698/wellington-mayoral-candidates-bold-plan-to-pedestrianise-cuba-st |url-status=live }} She was born in Porirua in 1983{{cite web |url=https://www.torywhanau.co.nz/my-story |title=My Story |publisher=Tory Whanau |access-date=2022-07-11 |archive-date=24 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220724190701/https://www.torywhanau.co.nz/my-story |url-status=dead}} and grew up in Cannons Creek, Porirua. Whanau moved with her family to Patea at the age of 8, later attending New Plymouth Girls' High School. Whanau moved to Wellington as an adult to study, and in 2003 won $1.39 million in a Lotto draw, which she used to pay off her parents' mortgage, support her family, and travel.{{cite news |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/news/130123221/wellingtons-mayorelect-tory-whanau-undecided-on-deputy |title=Wellington's Mayor-elect Tory Whanau undecided on deputy |first=Katarina |last=Williams |work=The Dominion Post |publisher=Stuff |date=2022-10-11 |access-date=2022-10-11 |archive-date=11 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221011065525/https://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/news/130123221/wellingtons-mayorelect-tory-whanau-undecided-on-deputy |url-status=live }}

Whanau graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in media studies from Victoria University of Wellington in 2006{{cite web |url=https://www.wgtn.ac.nz/students/graduation-and-beyond/roll-of-graduates?firstname=tory&lastname=whanau |title=Roll of graduates |publisher=Victoria University of Wellington |access-date=11 July 2022 |archive-date=11 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220711110117/https://www.wgtn.ac.nz/students/graduation-and-beyond/roll-of-graduates?firstname=tory&lastname=whanau |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Whanau |first=Tory |date=19 October 2022 |title=Wellington.Scoop » The city of impact and change |url=https://wellington.scoop.co.nz/?p=148220 |access-date=4 April 2024 |website=Scoop.co.nz |language=en}} and a Postgraduate Diploma in Business and Administration in Communication Management from Massey University in 2012.{{cite web |url=https://www.massey.ac.nz/student-life/graduation/massey-university-graduates-database-search/ |title=Massey University graduates database search |publisher=Massey University |access-date=2022-07-11 |archive-date=7 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220707101621/https://www.massey.ac.nz/student-life/graduation/massey-university-graduates-database-search/ |url-status=live }}

After graduating from Victoria University of Wellington, Whanau worked for the New Zealand Film Commission as a business affairs and short film assistant.{{cite web |title=New Zealand Film Commission Annual Report 2006-07 |url=https://www.yumpu.com/en/document/read/51404972/untitled-new-zealand-film-commission |access-date=24 April 2024 |website=yumpu.com}} Her career was mainly in marketing and digital communications, with roles with financial services firms such as Axa, TWUSUPER, and Cigna, as well as the New Zealand charity Plunket.

Whanau entered politics in 2015 when she worked for the parliamentary wing of the Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand.{{cite news |date=13 May 2020 |title=Inside the spin-room: Who is who in the Government's PR team |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/300009641/inside-the-spinroom-who-is-who-in-the-governments-pr-team |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220711104801/https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/300009641/inside-the-spinroom-who-is-who-in-the-governments-pr-team |archive-date=11 July 2022 |access-date=2022-07-11 |publisher=Stuff }} During the 2017 general election, she was the party's digital director and became acting chief of staff when Deborah Morris-Travers resigned in August 2017.{{cite news |last=Kirk |first=Stacey |date=22 August 2017 |title=Top Green Party staffers move on as turmoil hits party's backroom |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/96033620/top-green-party-staffers-resign-as-turmoil-hits-partys-backroom |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220711104802/https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/96033620/top-green-party-staffers-resign-as-turmoil-hits-partys-backroom |archive-date=11 July 2022 |access-date=2022-07-11 |publisher=Stuff }} After the 2017 and 2020 elections, Whanau was a member of the Green Party's team in the negotiations that led to the formations of the resulting government.{{cite news |last=Walters |first=Laura |date=26 September 2017 |title=Green Party announces coalition negotiating team |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/97263958/green-party-announces-coalition-negotiating-team |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170926150525/https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/97263958/green-party-announces-coalition-negotiating-team |archive-date=26 September 2017 |access-date=2022-07-11 |website=Stuff |publisher=Fairfax New Zealand}}{{cite news |date=20 October 2020 |title=Ardern holds preparatory talks with Greens but coalition looking unlikely |url=https://www.odt.co.nz/star-news/star-national/ardern-holds-preparatory-talks-greens-coalition-looking-unlikely |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220711104802/https://www.odt.co.nz/star-news/star-national/ardern-holds-preparatory-talks-greens-coalition-looking-unlikely |archive-date=11 July 2022 |access-date=2022-07-11 |work=Otago Daily Times}} Whanau resigned as chief of staff in August 2021, intending to form a public relations consultancy firm with Matthew Tukaki, Deborah Mahuta-Coyle and Nevada Halbert,{{cite press release |url=https://www.greens.org.nz/green_party_appoints_new_chief_of_staff |title=Green Party appoints new Chief of Staff |date=13 July 2021 |publisher=Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand |first1=James |last1=Shaw |author-link1=James Shaw (New Zealand politician) |first2=Marama |last2=Davidson |author-link2=Marama Davidson |access-date=2022-07-11 |archive-date=11 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220711104615/https://www.greens.org.nz/green_party_appoints_new_chief_of_staff |url-status=live}}{{cite news |last=Moir |first=Jo |date=26 July 2021 |title=Māori political talent exits Parliament |url=https://www.newsroom.co.nz/maori-political-talent-exits-parliament |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210726003810/https://www.newsroom.co.nz/maori-political-talent-exits-parliament |archive-date=26 July 2021 |access-date=2022-07-11 |work=Newsroom}} but instead joined the firm Capital Government Relations.{{cite news |last=Edwards |first=Bryce |date=13 November 2021 |title=Bryce Edwards: The Government-Lobbying revolving door just keeps on turning |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/bryce-edwards-the-government-lobbying-revolving-door-just-keeps-on-turning/OK2TRISU6A2LAURUIC2KQKXX2Q/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220711104801/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/bryce-edwards-the-government-lobbying-revolving-door-just-keeps-on-turning/OK2TRISU6A2LAURUIC2KQKXX2Q/ |archive-date=11 July 2022 |access-date=2022-07-11 |work=The New Zealand Herald}}

Whanau announced her intention on 18 November 2021 to run for the Wellington mayoralty in the 2022 election,{{cite news |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/wellington/127011651/former-green-party-chief-of-staff-tory-whanau-running-for-wellington-mayor |title=Former Green Party chief of staff Tory Whanau running for Wellington mayor |first=Joel |last=MacManus |work=The Dominion Post |publisher=Stuff |date=18 November 2021 |access-date=2022-07-11 |archive-date=30 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220630070928/https://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/wellington/127011651/former-green-party-chief-of-staff-tory-whanau-running-for-wellington-mayor |url-status=live }} and formally launched her campaign on 30 June 2022. She ran as an independent, endorsed by the Green party.{{cite news |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/wellington-top-stories/300562761/greens-announce-wellington-local-body-candidates-endorse-tory-whanau-for-mayor |title=Greens announce Wellington local body candidates, endorse Tory Whanau for mayor |first=Justin |last=Wong |work=The Dominion Post |publisher=Stuff |date=10 April 2022 |access-date=2022-07-11 |archive-date=11 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220611040824/https://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/wellington-top-stories/300562761/greens-announce-wellington-local-body-candidates-endorse-tory-whanau-for-mayor |url-status=live }} She gained the mayoralty with 34,462 votes after the distribution of preferences, more than twice those gained by the incumbent Andy Foster.{{cite web |title=Wellington City Council – 2022 Triennial Elections |url=https://www.electionz.com/LGE2022Results/ELT47WG22_results.pdf |publisher=Wellington City Council |access-date=14 October 2019 |archive-date=7 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221007210850/https://www.electionz.com/LGE2022Results/ELT47WG22_results.pdf |url-status=live }}{{cite news |title=Whanau bucks trend in referendum on leadership |url=https://www.newsroom.co.nz/whanau-bucks-trend-in-referendum-on-leadership |access-date=8 October 2022 |work=Newsroom |date=8 October 2022 |language=en-AU |first=Marc |last=Daalder |archive-date=9 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221009064036/https://www.newsroom.co.nz/whanau-bucks-trend-in-referendum-on-leadership#Echobox=1665215993-1 |url-status=live }}

Whanau's stated policy platform was "Fixing our pipes; More warm, dry homes for all; More efficient public transport options; Mental health support, alcohol and harm reduction; Safer streets; Arts and culture revitalisation; Business support; Climate action."{{cite web |title=Tory Whanau |url=https://wellington.govt.nz/your-council/elections/2022-elections/information-for-voters/candidate-information/mayoral-candidates/tory-whanau |website=Wellington City Council |access-date=14 October 2022 |language=en-NZ |date=12 September 2022 |archive-date=14 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221014021013/https://wellington.govt.nz/your-council/elections/2022-elections/information-for-voters/candidate-information/mayoral-candidates/tory-whanau |url-status=live }} She was seen as one of the few progressive candidates to gain mayoral office in the 2022 local elections, with most New Zealand territorial authorities swinging to conservative candidates.{{cite web |title='A shift in political thinking': many of New Zealand's cities lurch right in local elections |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/oct/10/a-shift-in-political-thinking-why-many-of-new-zealands-cities-have-lurched-to-the-right-local-elections |website=The Guardian |access-date=14 October 2022 |language=en |date=10 October 2022 |archive-date=13 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221013230512/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/oct/10/a-shift-in-political-thinking-why-many-of-new-zealands-cities-have-lurched-to-the-right-local-elections |url-status=live }}

Following the 2022 Wellington local elections, Whanau reduced the number of full council committees on the Wellington City Council from five to three. Following a month of negotiations and restructuring, she appointed several Labour and Green councillors as chairs of these three council committees (Rebecca Matthews, Teri O'Neill and Tamatha Paul).{{cite news |last1=Gourley |first1=Erin |title=Labour, Green councillors to lead key committees on new Wellington City Council |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/wellington-top-stories/130411523/labour-green-councillors-to-lead-key-committees-on-new-wellington-city-council |access-date=8 November 2022 |work=Stuff |date=8 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221108042724/https://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/wellington-top-stories/130411523/labour-green-councillors-to-lead-key-committees-on-new-wellington-city-council |archive-date=8 November 2022|url-status=live}} Whanau did not renew her Green membership when it came up for renewal in November 2022.{{cite news |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/national/programmes/morningreport/audio/2018867208/wellington-mayor-set-to-drop-green-party-membership |title=Wellington mayor set to drop Green Party membership |work=Morning Report |publisher=Radio New Zealand |date=16 November 2022 |access-date=16 November 2022 |archive-date=15 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221115205702/https://www.rnz.co.nz/national/programmes/morningreport/audio/2018867208/wellington-mayor-set-to-drop-green-party-membership |url-status=live }} Georgina Campbell from The New Zealand Herald wrote that this was in order to build better relationships with independent councillors without a formal party membership.*{{cite news |title=New mayor loosens ties to Green Party |first=Georgina |last=Campbell |work=The New Zealand Herald |date=16 November 2022 |via=pressreader.com |page=A12 |url=https://www.pressreader.com/new-zealand/the-new-zealand-herald/20221116/281736978440726 |archive-date=22 July 2023 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20230722202015/https://www.pressreader.com/new-zealand/the-new-zealand-herald/20221116/281736978440726 |quote=Wellington mayor Tory Whanau, whose independent campaign was endorsed by the Greens, has decided she will not renew her party membership, the Herald understands. The key reason behind the move is so she can.... }}

• {{cite news |title=A Capital Letter: Wellington mayor will not renew Green Party membership |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/a-capital-letter-wellington-mayor-will-not-renew-green-party-membership/6QL5E56C4BG5ZM3N3R77GL4VMQ/ |access-date=22 July 2023 |work=The New Zealand Herald |date=23 July 2023 |language=en-NZ |quote=Wellington mayor Tory Whanau, whose independent campaign was endorsed by the Greens, has decided she will not renew her party membership, the Herald understands. The key reason behind the move is so she can.... |archive-date=22 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230722204013/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/a-capital-letter-wellington-mayor-will-not-renew-green-party-membership/6QL5E56C4BG5ZM3N3R77GL4VMQ/ |url-status=live }} Whanau later reversed this decision and rejoined the Green Party in 2024.{{cite news |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/wellington-mayor-tory-whanau-rejoins-green-party-after-previously-deciding-not-to-renew-membership/IVO3VYG5OBHRDICODBURUS6ZGI/ |title=Wellington Mayor Tory Whanau rejoins Green Party after previously deciding not to renew membership |first=Ethan |last=Manera |work=The New Zealand Herald |date=16 April 2024 |access-date=29 April 2024 }}

In November 2023, Whanau reversed her previous opposition to the Wellington City Council selling its 34 percent stake in Wellington Airport to cover the Council's financial deficit. On 9 November, Whanau and a majority of councillors voted to consult the public about the plan. In addition, Whanau and her fellow councillors voted unanimously to scrap $230 million worth of repairs to Te Ngākau Civic Square and the City to Sea Bridge, and to scrap about $35 million worth of funding for cycleways and footpaths.{{cite news |date=10 November 2023 |title=Public will get say on Wellington council selling airport shares |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/502097/public-will-get-say-on-wellington-council-selling-airport-shares |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231110042559/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/502097/public-will-get-say-on-wellington-council-selling-airport-shares |archive-date=10 November 2023 |access-date=10 November 2023 |work=Radio New Zealand}}

In mid-March 2024, Whanau supported a plan to permit for more housing construction in Wellington by upzoning vast areas of the city. She said this would make housing more affordable and lower emissions.{{Cite news |last1=James |first1=Nick |date=14 March 2024 |title=Wellington City Council votes to increase housing density |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/511695/wellington-city-council-votes-to-increase-housing-density |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240314020820/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/511695/wellington-city-council-votes-to-increase-housing-density |archive-date=14 March 2024 |access-date=15 March 2024 |work=Radio New Zealand |language=en-nz}}

In April 2024, the Wellington City Council cancelled a NZ$32 million agreement with cinema chain Reading Cinemas to refurbish and earthquake-strengthen its Wellington building, which has been closed since 2019. In 2023, Whanau and the Wellington City Council had approved efforts by Council staff to negotiate the NZ$32 million agreement to refurbish and earthquake-strengthen the Wellington cinema. Whanau described the outcome as "disappointing, but the right one."{{cite news |title=Reading Cinema: Wellington council ends negotiation on deal to reopen complex |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/business/515009/reading-cinema-wellington-council-ends-negotiation-on-deal-to-reopen-complex |access-date=28 April 2024 |work=Radio New Zealand |date=23 April 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240424034920/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/business/515009/reading-cinema-wellington-council-ends-negotiation-on-deal-to-reopen-complex |archive-date=24 April 2024}}

In late May 2024, the Wellington City Council voted in favour of divesting its 34% minority stake (worth NZ$278 million) in Wellington Airport, with the proceeds going towards a major disaster investment fund. In response, Whanau said that divestment had not been her preference but that we "had to put political alliances aside and decided what is best for the city."{{cite news |title=Wellington set to have NZ's first major privately owned airport |url=https://www.1news.co.nz/2024/05/31/wellington-set-to-have-nzs-first-major-privately-owned-airport/ |access-date=6 June 2024 |work=1News |date=31 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240531232208/https://www.1news.co.nz/2024/05/31/wellington-set-to-have-nzs-first-major-privately-owned-airport/ |archive-date=31 May 2024}} On 10 October 2024, following an attempt by a group of councillors to bring another vote on the issue, councillors voted nine to seven against the sale.{{cite news |last1=Tom Hunt and Harriette Laughton |title=Wellington council votes against sale of Wellington Airport stake |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/350447483/wellington-council-votes-against-sale-wellington-airport-stake |access-date=12 October 2024 |work=Stuff |date=10 October 2024}} Whanau expressed disappointment with the outcome but said she respected her fellow councillors' decision.{{cite news |last1=Campbell |first1=Georgina |title=Wellington City Council votes to stop controversial airport shares sale |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/wellington-city-council-votes-to-stop-controversial-airport-shares-sale/JQ7BP4QPXNBAHBK7D7R47QFORM/ |access-date=11 October 2024 |work=The New Zealand Herald |date=10 October 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241010042059/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/wellington-city-council-votes-to-stop-controversial-airport-shares-sale/JQ7BP4QPXNBAHBK7D7R47QFORM/|archive-date=10 October 2024|url-status=live}} On 17 October, Whanau met with Local Government Minister Simeon Brown and said that the New Zealand Government was not considering intervening in the Wellington City Council despite criticism of the Council's financial management by Finance Minister Nicola Willis.{{cite news |last1=Gibbens |first1=Krystal |last2=Argue |first2=Mary |title=Ministers still mulling Wellington council intervention despite meeting with Tory Whanau |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/531011/ministers-still-mulling-wellington-council-intervention-despite-meeting-with-tory-whanau |access-date=19 October 2024 |work=RNZ |date=17 October 2024}}

On 22 October 2024, the New Zealand Government appointed a Crown observer to Wellington City Council after the Council was forced to revise its 2023–2024 Long Term Plan in response to a failed attempt to sell its airport shares.{{cite news |last1=Smith |first1=Sam |title=Government to appoint Crown observer to Wellington City Council |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/politics/360460123/government-appoint-crown-observer-wellington-city-council |access-date=24 October 2024 |work=Stuff |date=22 October 2024}} In response, Whanau said that she would discuss the draft terms of reference with councillors and that the Council would cooperate with the Government.{{cite web |title=Mayoral statement on Crown Observer |url=https://wellington.govt.nz/news-and-events/news-and-information/our-wellington/2024/10/mayoral-statement-on-crown-observer |publisher=Wellington City Council |access-date=24 October 2024 |date=22 October 2024}} Whanau later criticised several government ministers for using emotive language in criticising the council's governance and financial management, saying "we need assistance, not punching down." In response, ACT leader David Seymour said the Government was criticising the Council's "poor decisions" rather than its people while New Zealand First leader Winston Peters accused Whanau of being blind to the city's problems. Finance Minister Willis said that the Government was listening to Wellingtonians' frustration and dissatisfaction with the Council.{{cite news |last1=McCulloch |first1=Craig |title=Ministers defend criticisms of Wellington City Council: 'It's about a series of poor decisions' |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/531674/ministers-defend-criticisms-of-wellington-city-council-it-s-about-a-series-of-poor-decisions |access-date=24 October 2024 |work=RNZ |date=23 October 2024}}

In early February 2025, Whanau confirmed that the Wellington City Council would be making a major announcement on the "Golden Mile" area the following week. On 11 February, the Council confirmed that it would begin construction of the Golden Mile revitalisation project, which includes the Beehive end of Lambton Quay and Courtenay Place area, starting in late April 2025 on Cambridge and Kent Terrace.{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=13 February 2025 |title=Courtenay Place Revitalisation |url=https://www.transportprojects.org.nz/current/courtenay-place-revitalisation |url-status=live |archive-url= |archive-date= |access-date=10 April 2025 |website=Transport Projects}} This project will prioritising public transport and improve walking and cycling access and reducing reliance on cars, widening footpaths, and building separated bi-directional bike lanes in the area.{{cite news |last1= |first1= |date=11 February 2025 |title=Golden Mile 100% DESIGN SUBMISSION DESIGN REPORT COURTENAY PLACE |url=https://www.transportprojects.org.nz/assets/Modules/DocumentGrid/GM-100-Percent-Design-Report_-Feb-2025.pdf |access-date=10 April 2025 |work=Wellington City Council}} Wellington Chamber of Commerce chief executive Simon Arcus expressed concern that these changes could affect local businesses and emphasised the need for consultation.{{cite news |last1=James |first1=Nick |title=Wellington's Golden Mile upgrade to begin in April |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/541486/wellington-s-golden-mile-upgrade-to-begin-in-april |access-date=12 February 2025 |work=RNZ |date=11 February 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250212004719/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/541486/wellington-s-golden-mile-upgrade-to-begin-in-april |archive-date=12 February 2025}}

Whanau has stated she will run for re-election in the 2025 elections.{{cite news |last=James |first=Nick |date=4 February 2025 |title=Are Wellington's council leaders running for the top jobs again this year? |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/540794/are-wellington-s-council-leaders-running-for-the-top-jobs-again-this-year |access-date=13 March 2025 |website=RNZ }}

Whanau has struggled with alcoholism. Two incidents related to her alcohol consumption received media attention during her mayoralty. On 30 June 2023, a Friday evening, Whanau appeared to employees to be intoxicated upon entry{{cite news |title=Wellington restaurant unfazed by backlash after mayor's tipsy evening out |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/wellington-restaurant-unfazed-by-backlash-after-mayor-tory-whanaus-tipsy-evening-out/EG5DY3KI6FAV5I74SRITTYLUBE/ |access-date=22 July 2023 |work=The New Zealand Herald |date=23 July 2023 |language=en-NZ |archive-date=22 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230722201041/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/wellington-restaurant-unfazed-by-backlash-after-mayor-tory-whanaus-tipsy-evening-out/EG5DY3KI6FAV5I74SRITTYLUBE/ |url-status=live }} to The Old Quarter restaurant in Dixon Street. Restaurant staff refused to serve her due to her intoxicated state, and she left without paying her bill. Whanau admitted not paying her bill and being "tipsy" but denied that she had acted confrontationally towards staff members, including asking if they knew who she was. The bill was paid the next day, on 1 July.{{cite news |title=Wellington mayor Tory Whanau left restaurant without paying: "It was an honest mistake"|url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/493079/wellington-mayor-tory-whanau-left-restaurant-without-paying-it-was-an-honest-mistake |access-date=8 July 2023 |work=Radio New Zealand |date=3 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230704070927/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/493079/wellington-mayor-tory-whanau-left-restaurant-without-paying-it-was-an-honest-mistake |archive-date=4 July 2023}} On 18 November 2023, Whanau was seen intoxicated at Wellington’s Havana Bar. Almost two weeks later, she released a written statement which admitted a drinking problem and that she was seeking professional help.{{cite news |last1=Campbell |first1=Georgina |title=Wellington mayor admits alcohol problem: 'I am a flawed person' |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/wellington-mayor-tory-whanau-admits-alcohol-problem-i-am-a-flawed-person/ZRSDRWCGGZCDBJQOSA7VSF2OVM/ |work=The New Zealand Herald |date=29 November 2023 |language=en-NZ}} In 2025, she spoke at an event saying that the humiliation she had felt through this period led her to consider resigning.{{cite news |last=James |first=Nick |date=13 March 2025 |title=Tory Whanau considered quitting Wellington mayoralty while 'humiliated' |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/544694/tory-whanau-considered-quitting-wellington-mayoralty-while-humiliated |access-date=13 March 2025 |website=RNZ }}

In April 2024, Whanau was diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and "significant traits of autism".{{cite web |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/518891/wellington-mayor-tory-whanau-reveals-adhd-diagnosis-with-significant-traits-of-autism |title=Wellington Mayor Tory Whanau reveals ADHD diagnosis with 'significant traits of autism' |date=7 June 2024 |work=RNZ }}

In September 2024, Whanau said on radio that she had sold her car "to help pay the bills", despite her mayoral salary of $189,799.{{cite news |title=Wellington Mayor Tory Whanau sells car to help pay the bills |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/wellington-mayor-tory-whanau-sells-car-to-help-pay-the-bills/VL6XFFRL5ZDOZDPVHTF5R6HDUY/ |access-date=12 October 2024 |work=The New Zealand Herald |date=17 September 2024}} A few days later she denied that was the reason, and said she sold her car to walk to work. A spokesperson later clarified that she sold her car to help with her mortgage.{{cite news |last1=Hu |first1=Justin |title=Wellington Mayor clarifies after appearing to backtrack on car sale claim |url=https://www.1news.co.nz/2024/09/22/wellington-mayor-clarifies-after-appearing-to-backtrack-on-car-sale-claim/ |access-date=12 October 2024 |work=TVNZ |date=22 September 2024}}

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Category:1983 births

Category:Living people

Category:Mayors of Wellington

Category:Victoria University of Wellington alumni

Category:Massey University alumni

Category:Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand politicians

Category:21st-century New Zealand women politicians

Category:People from Porirua

Category:Ngāti Ruapani people

Category:Ngāruahine people

Category:Political chiefs of staff

Category:Māori mayors

Category:Women mayors of places in New Zealand

Category:Lottery winners

Category:People educated at New Plymouth Girls' High School

Category:People with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder