Michael Laws reveals secret relationship

Michael Laws. Photo / Wanganui Chronicle

Whanganui Mayor and shock-jock Michael Laws has released a statement to the media about a relationship he had with a woman who has had "life experiences that were completely different to my own".

It is believed that Mr Laws' statement has been inspired by a news story that has yet to be published.

"I am not a saint. I make mistakes. However my private life is irrelevant to my public duties," Mr Laws said in the statement.

He said he met a woman after separating with his wife.

"For the past eight months I have been a single man. And, to be perfectly honest, somewhat rudderless.

"It has been difficult for me to adjust to being single and living alone, to not caring for my children every day, and to not being in a loving and supportive relationship," Mr Laws said.

He said in June this year he met a lady.

"This lady had life experiences that were completely different to my own. I was intoxicated by such an unusual background and flattered by her attentions," Mr Laws said.

"We met only twice. We have shared texts and messages of an intimate nature connected to the physical attraction that seemed to exist between us."

He said details of the texts are about to be made public. nzherald.co.nz has no such text messages.

"Because I am a public figure, details of my intimate private life are considered fair game by some. I have made a mistake. As a single man I entered a relationship that was unwise. I did not seek to cause distress, but I have.

"I particularly wish to apologise to my family. They are affected by my actions and I have been foolish in my private life," Mr Laws.

He said he would not be commenting on the statement, but spoke further on the issue on Radio Live this afternoon, saying the relationship was "unwise" and "overtly physical" and he felt ashamed.

Mr Laws said he never expected details of the relationship to become public, but that the details were "salacious".

- NZ Herald staff