Wellington mayor Tory Whanau denies she was drunk at a Wellington restaurant on Friday night, and says leaving without paying was an honest mistake. Video / Mark Mitchell
Wellington mayor Tory Whanau has admitted she has a drinking problem, says she is getting “professional help” and hinted that video of another incident of drunken behaviour may be circulating in the public domain.
It’s understood the latest incident occurred at Wellington’s Havana Bar late in the afternoon of November 18, with media reports that she and another person were “visibly” intoxicated.
“I sought counsel from my friends, family and colleagues and have since sought professional help.
“I am not a career politician, and leadership positions in public office are not built for regular people who may have struggles with addiction, mental ill health, or any other illness that has stigma attached. We have seen this play out with career-ending moments from politicians across the political spectrum in recent times,” her statement read.
Wellington Mayor Tory Whanau. Photo / RNZ / Samuel Rillstone
“I am a flawed person, but I care deeply about this city. I will continue to represent the hopes and aspirations of my local community and I will do so with the compassion and care of those around me and with the professional help required.
“I would like to say to others struggling with alcohol issues that you can seek help and still commit to your passions, work, family, friends in a way that is meaningful. We are complex, layered people and deserving of love.
“I would appreciate respect and care from the media whilst navigating this period of sobriety and professional support.”
Wellington councillor Rebecca Matthews said: “Tory is in a stressful job where there is huge scrutiny, and any of us doing it would have to face whatever demons we had. Her honesty about her own is groundbreaking, and she has had and will continue to have my full personal and political support to keep doing a great job as mayor while addressing the issues she has described.”
Asked whether Whanau had to go, councillor Diane Calvert told Newstalk ZB’s Heather du Plessis-Allan she hoped Whanau was getting the support she needed.
”As a council, we need to make sure that we do have the right resources in place because as a mayor you hold certain responsibilities, especially in emergencies and disaster relief, and of course, we’ve got our long-term plan coming up. We’re doing our budgeting for the next ten years.”
Calvert said councillors had only just learned of the mayor’s statement.
”There was no inkling provided to us, though I have to say we haven’t seen much of the mayor for the last couple of months.”
Calvert confirmed the rumour she had heard was that the incident happened at Havana Bar on November 18 late in the afternoon.
Havana bar owner Roger Young posted on social media he was there at the time.
“All my staff said you and your friends were very respectful and were just having a good time. It saddens me deeply we can’t just go out and have a good time anymore. You guys were great and are welcome at Havana Bar a[ny] time.”
I wish more people in public life were honest about their struggles. Tory is being brave and she has all my personal & political support. Ten years ago I was drinking too much too so I relate. Love this girl and she’s a great mayor we can proud of Welly ❤️ https://t.co/YWWtsvvATw
Councillor John Apanowicz said he sympathised with Whanau.
“It’s a very hard role to do because you are always in the spotlight. You’re always at functions where there is alcohol available and everyone knows who you are. It’s a tough job.
“But I try to always maintain a level of professionalism which is what I wish this council would continuously do.
“I support Tory. I support the role of the mayor. She’s a friend of mine now, we’ve worked together for a year.”
Councillor Sarah Free said she has noticed the mayor has been more absent than usual in the past couple of weeks.
”I hope that she can get the help she needs as quickly as possible and I’m here to offer her my support in any way that she’d like.”
Councillor Iona Pannett said she hoped Whanau got the help she needed.
”I feel deep empathy for anyone who’s dealing with this type of issue.”
Councillor Nīkau Wi Neera said pressure was being put on all elected members as they put together their ten-year budget.
”We all have our own ways of dealing with that. I really just want to send my aroha to Tory when I see her tomorrow.”
Neera said Whanau is not a perfect person, but no one is.
Councillor Ray Chung said Wellington is going through some “really pressing issues and problems” that need the mayor and councillor’s complete attention and commitment in resolving.
“It’s imperative that we have a mayor who can devote their undivided attention to these issues without diversions so I hope that she receives the professional support that she needs and can resolve these personal issues at this crucial time.”
Public life in this country can be bloody tough.
Mayor Whanau has done a great job in her first year in office, delivering transport infrastructure, increasing funding to fix pipes, and finding innovative ways to finally revitalise the city centre. We support her all the way 💚
Newly elected Green MP for Wellington Central Tamatha Paul, who was on the Council, said on social media “This changing the world thing is brutal. Especially if you are a wahine Maori.”
“Sending all my love and support to our Mayor who is kind, brave and has a lot to give our city.”
Labour MP Barbara Edmonds commented on Whanau’s Instagram post with support: “Biggest hugs my friend.”
In a statement at the time, Whanau said she “strenuously denies” claims about drunken behaviour including asking a waiter “do you know who I am?” after being cut off.
Speaking to Newstalk ZB, she admitted she was tipsy while dining at the Old Quarter on Dixon St where she was spotted, but said accusations about her conduct and being refused service are “simply false”.
She told Wellington Mornings’ Nick Mills the failure to pay the bill was a “miscommunication” between friends, and she was “mortified” by the mistake and she apologised to the restaurant.
Whanau said she was “tipsy” and “merry” after a hearty dinner and drinks with a friend, but was in no way drunk. She told Mills she had not been wearing makeup, which may have contributed to why people thought she was drunk.
The Old Quarter general manager Shay Lomas told NZME Whanau was definitely intoxicated, and he confirmed she had asked a waiter if they knew who she was.
“I’d say she was trying to be funny but also not really - it was a mixture of serious and a bit ditzy, there wasn’t anything really disrespectful about it, it was just like ‘do you recognise me?’”
