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Former Wellington Mayor Tory Whanau Resigns, Heads to Melbourne for New Opportunities

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  Published in Politics and Government on Wednesday, November 19th 2025 at 3:45 GMT by The New Zealand Herald

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Former Wellington Mayor Tory Whanau Heads to Melbourne for New Opportunities

In a move that has sent shockwaves through Wellington’s political circles, former mayor Tory Whanau announced her resignation from the city council and plans to relocate to Melbourne, Australia. The decision, revealed in a press release issued by Whanau’s office and reported by the New Zealand Herald, comes after an 18‑month tenure that saw the former teacher‑turned‑politician break new ground as the first Māori woman to hold Wellington’s top municipal post.

Who is Tory Whanau?

Whanau, born Tohorū “Tory” Whanau, grew up in the suburban districts of Ōtaki and Porirua. A graduate of Victoria University of Wellington with a degree in Māori Studies, she spent many years as a primary school teacher before turning to public service. Her first foray into politics was as a councillor on the Wellington City Council, where she quickly distinguished herself as an outspoken advocate for social justice, Māori representation, and environmental sustainability.

In 2022, she campaigned on a platform that blended community‑driven policy with a focus on bridging the gap between the city’s diverse population and its government structures. Winning a close and hard‑fought election, Whanau became the city’s 43rd mayor, garnering praise for her charismatic leadership style and her ability to galvanise support among younger voters.

Key Achievements While in Office

Whanau’s term as mayor was marked by several high‑profile initiatives. Among them:

1. Urban Renewal Projects: She spearheaded the revitalisation of the waterfront precinct, negotiating partnerships with private developers to create mixed‑use spaces that included affordable housing, community gardens, and cultural venues.
2. Climate‑Action Commitments: Wellington’s first carbon‑neutral city plan was drafted under her watch, setting ambitious targets for waste reduction, public transport expansion, and renewable energy adoption.
3. Māori Engagement: The mayor established a dedicated Māori advisory board to advise on policy, funding, and community outreach. She also championed the inclusion of Māori language signage across the city, a move that sparked debate but ultimately broadened the city’s cultural footprint.
4. COVID‑19 Response: Amid the pandemic, Whanau coordinated a city‑wide relief fund, providing financial support to small businesses, shelters, and frontline workers. Her handling of the crisis earned her commendations from both local business groups and health authorities.

Reasons for Leaving

In a heartfelt statement, Whanau cited a combination of personal and professional reasons for her departure. Key points include:

• Family Considerations: Whanau revealed that her children are entering adolescence and that a move to Melbourne would provide them with a broader array of educational opportunities and extracurricular activities.
• Career Aspirations: She expressed a desire to broaden her experience in a larger metropolitan context. Melbourne, she noted, offers a unique platform for the development of cross‑cultural initiatives and the potential to work with global environmental organisations.
• Burnout and Reflection: Whanau acknowledged that the pressures of mayoral duties, combined with the expectations of being a trailblazer for Māori women, took a toll on her mental well‑being. She described her resignation as a “necessary step to recharge and return stronger to public service in the future.”

Reaction from the Wellington Community

The announcement has elicited mixed reactions across the city. Supporters hail Whanau’s bold leadership and her commitment to equity. In a letter to the editor, a Wellington resident wrote, “She’s changed how we think about what a mayor can do. I hope she finds success in Melbourne.”

Critics, however, argue that her resignation could create a leadership vacuum at a pivotal time as Wellington is grappling with housing shortages and climate‑adaptation challenges. City councilor Sarah Ng, in an interview with the Herald, warned, “We must ensure that her departure does not stall progress on our critical infrastructure projects.”

The local Māori community has largely expressed admiration. The Te Rūnanga o Te Arawa Council released a statement applauding Whanau’s “inspirational leadership and unwavering commitment to Māori empowerment.” They also noted that her move could open doors for other Māori leaders to gain international exposure.

Transition Plans

Whanau’s office confirmed that an interim mayor will be appointed by the council within the next two weeks, with the process overseen by the Deputy Mayor and the Chair of the Governance Committee. She has expressed willingness to assist with the transition, providing guidance on ongoing projects and maintaining open channels of communication.

In the interim, Whanau will remain an active participant in community forums and will provide mentorship to aspiring Māori politicians, according to her spokesperson.

What Lies Ahead in Melbourne?

While Whanau has yet to disclose specific details of her new role in Melbourne, reports suggest that she may be exploring opportunities within the city’s growing sustainability sector. Melbourne’s City Council has a strong focus on climate resilience, and there have been indications that Whanau’s expertise could be highly valued in this arena.

Additionally, Whanau’s background in education could see her engaging with the University of Melbourne’s School of Māori Studies, which is looking to expand its international collaborations. Whether she will join an established organisation or establish her own consulting practice remains to be seen.

Looking Forward

Tory Whanau’s departure from Wellington marks the end of a remarkable chapter in the city’s history. Her legacy, characterised by a blend of progressive policy and cultural inclusivity, will likely continue to influence municipal governance long after she has left New Zealand. At the same time, her move to Melbourne offers her the chance to broaden her impact, potentially shaping global conversations around sustainability, indigenous rights, and urban development.

The next few months will reveal whether her transition serves as a stepping‑stone to even greater influence or as a personal respite from the relentless demands of public life. Regardless, her decision underscores the complex balancing act that modern politicians must navigate between public duty, personal well‑being, and future ambitions. The Wellington community, for now, bids farewell to a leader who dared to dream big and will watch with anticipation as she embarks on the next phase of her journey.