Tory Whanau says she will be committed to a full term as a Māori ward councillor if elected. Photo: RNZ / Samuel Rillstone
Wellington mayor Tory Whanau has ruled out a bid for central government next year, but says it could be on the cards in 2029.
Whanau was elected as the capital's mayor in 2022, and intended to run for re-election this year before pulling out of the race when former Labour MP Andrew Little announced his bid.
On Wednesday, the former Green Party chief of staff told The NZ Herald her goal was to run for Parliament on a Green ticket in 2029 - although she would not commit to the idea entirely.
She told Newstalk ZB in 2023 she would "love to have a crack at being a minister" someday, but ruled out a bid in 2026, saying she was "just not ready yet", and was committed to a full term as a Māori ward councillor if elected.
"2029 is probably more of a goal for me," she said. "I'm committing to the Māori ward, and I really hope I'm elected and I'll do that to the very end."
Whanau initially said she wanted three terms in the mayoralty. After announcing she was quitting the mayoral race, she posted on social media she would likely have another tilt at the mayoralty in 2028.
But she told The NZ Herald on Wednesday: "I've reflected a lot and when I look at what has been achieved at council under my mayoralty, which is pretty much everything I promised except for light rail, I'm actually quite happy with what I've left here, I don't think I need to run for the mayoralty again."
In a statement to RNZ, she said: "I'm passionate about delivering the best outcomes for Māori and will continue to be a strong advocate for our people. That's why I'm seeking election as Māori Ward Councillor - so I can remain at the table and influence decisions that affect our community.
"If elected to the Māori Ward, I commit to giving it the mana it deserves," she said.
"I'm confident I can win and continue to be a strong, passionate voice for our communities. For that reason, I am ruling out running for Parliament in the 2026 general elections regardless of the outcome of the October local body elections."
Even if she was not successful in the October elections, she said, she would continue to advocate for Māori, create safe pathways for women - especially wahine Māori - to go into leadership roles, and support the arts and our diverse Wellington community.
"I want our rangatahi to remember me as someone who didn't just speak about change, but helped clear the path for the next generation of Māori leaders, especially our young wahine Māori.
"I hope my experience and future mahi will make it easier for a young Māori girl to see herself in politics or a leadership role, and to know that her unique voice is needed in public service."
Voting is now open for local body elections, and closes at noon on 11 October, with provisional results to be announced later that same day.
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