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Koromatua Tory Whanau
Mayor Tory Whanau

Tory Whanau won the Wellington City Council mayoralty in October 2022.

About Mayor Tory Whanau

Tory is Pōneke’s first wahine Māori mayor. 

Originally from Pātea in South Taranaki, Tory is of Pakakohi and Ngā Ruahine descent. She has worked in marketing, as a film censor, and as a chief of staff for the Green Party during their time in Government. 

Tory was elected on a platform of change. More affordable housing, better public transport and more opportunities for walking and cycling are central to her vision of a city that’s future-focused and inclusive. She is working to strengthen relationships with mana whenua and celebrate the diversity of our communities. 

Behind the scenes she is a strong advocate for our hospitality scene and helping business owners bring the vibe back to our inner city. That means looking after our artists, innovators and creatives as well. They are a key part of what makes Wellington an attractive destination to visitors from around the world, and a great place to live. 

She is pushing to accelerate climate action and ensure our communities and infrastructure are as resilient as possible. After decades of neglect, she firmly believes it is time to reinvest in our collective wellbeing, stop kicking the can down the road, and come together to create a city we are all proud of. 

“Let’s make Wellington a capital of the arts, education, innovation and compassion,” she says. “And let’s make sure we bring all of us along on that journey.”

Today she lives in Wellington with her dog Teddy, who is also known as His Woofship.

Mayor Tory Whanau posing with her dog Teddy.
Mayor Tory Whanau

Contact details

Email: mayor@wcc.govt.nz
Address: PO Box 2199, Wellington, New Zealand
Executive assistant: tiumalu.sialava'a@wcc.govt.nz

Mayoral requests

If you would like to request a meeting with the Mayor or have the Mayor attend an event, please fill out the forms below and send to tiumalu.sialava'a@wcc.govt.nz.

Meeting request form

Event request form

Note: The diary does not include unscheduled meetings, personal appointments that have been included in the diary for organisational purposes, travel logistics, time allocated for emails and general office work.

For more information contact mayor@wcc.govt.nz.

Committee membership

Committee Position
Te Kaunihera o Pōneke | Council Chair
Unaunahi Ngaio | Chief Executive Performance Review Committee Chair
Kōrau Tōtōpū | Long-term Plan, Finance, and Performance Committee Member
Kōrau Tūāpapa | Environment and Infrastructure Committee Member
Kōrau Mātinitini | Social, Cultural, and Economic Committee Member
Koata Hātepe | Regulatory Processes Committee Member
Unaunahi Māhirahira | Audit and Risk Committee Member
Pītau Pūmanawa | Grants Subcommittee Member

External appointments

Appointment Position
Wellington Regional Leadership Committee Member
Tākai Here Leadership Forum Member
Local Government New Zealand Zone 4 Member
Wellington Water Committee Member
Wellington International Airport Ltd Member
NZ international Arts Festival Trust Member
Thomas George Macarthy Trust Member
Joe Aspell Trust Member
Tāwhiri – festival and experiences Member

Ex officio patronages and honorary memberships

Organisation Status

Cretans Association of New Zealand

Patron

Friends of Tawa Bush Reserves

Patron

Karori Bowing Club

Patron

National Council of Women

Branch Patron
New Zealand Opera Patron 
Orpheus Choir Vice Patron 

Rainbow Wellington Org NZ

Patron
Royal Humane Society of NZ Inc. Vice Patron

Wellington Abrahamic Council of Jews, Christians and Muslims

Patron

Wellington Historical and Early Settlers Association

Patron
Wellington Male Voice Choir Patron
Wellington Municipal Croquet Club Co-Patron
Wellington Rotary Club Honorary Member
Wellington Rowing Club Patron
Wellington Tramway Museum Incorporated Joint Patron
Wellington Youth Orchestra Patron