Wellington’s brand-new mayor Tory Whanau sits down for a cuppa with the Weekly and tells us how her new job has affected her, and why it is the best thing in her life.
You’ve recently become Wellington’s mayor. How has that changed your life?
It has completely changed my life. I’m now a public figure and get recognised wherever I go. I get to make amazing decisions for the city and to interact with our inspiring communities. I feel very privileged.
You have a busy, high-profile job. How do you keep yourself centred?
First up is playing and looking after the love of my life, my little Stafford bull terrier called Teddy. I also have a great office team who make sure I have time to look after my mental and physical health. That is a priority for me and I encourage everyone in my team to look after themselves too.
Time out with fur friend Teddy keeps Tory in tip-top shape.
You won $1.4 million in Lotto years ago. What do you think your life would have been like if you hadn’t won it?
Life would have been a lot harder as I’d have had access to fewer opportunities, but I still think I’d be the mayor of Wellington today. It’s just that the path taken to get there would have had different challenges to overcome.
You are of Pakakohe and Ngā Ruahine descent, and Wellington’s first wahine Māori mayor. Is it about time?
It was overdue. I am proud of Wellington voting in its first wahine Māori mayor and of Wellington City Council, which already had in place an agreement to adhere to Te Tiriti principles. Wellington is on the right track in its relationship with mana whenua.
You’ve worked in national government for a long time. How does it differ in local government?
In local government, you can really see the impact of your decisions; they make a tangible difference. That’s not always the case in central government. Local government is about empowering and exciting the community you serve so they are on board with your vision, but also aware of more difficult times ahead.
What’s the best thing about your life at the moment?
Being mayor of New Zealand’s capital city.
Who is the person who most influenced you?
My grandfather, my koro. He was an activist and an actor. As a youngster, I protested on Parliament steps with him and he taught me about caring for your community and your land. He was very tuned in to news and political events. I owe him a lot.
What about your parents? What do you owe them?
They sacrificed everything. Before I won Lotto, my dad moved to Australia to work for four years to pay for my school tuition. They went without, and without each other, to provide me a quality education. I love them dearly for that.
What would improve the quality of your life?
More gym time and more Teddy time.
The mayor says she grew up knowing the importance of caring for your community.
What is the nicest thing you’ve ever bought or done for yourself?
Two of my prized possessions are my Deadly Ponies hand-bag and my Meadowlark rings. They are gorgeous.
What advice would you give 15-year-old you?
Don’t get distracted by personality dramas. They don’t mean anything and will only bring you down.
What books are on your bedside table?
The City of Mirrors by Justin Cronin, which is a 2016 horror novel and the final novel in The Passage trilogy. Also Rants in the Dark by Kiwi blogger Emily Writes, about being a sleep-deprived parent.
Do you have any streaming recommendations?
Brooklyn Nine-Nine, Veep and Yellowjackets.
You’re cooking for friends. What’s your signature dish?
Oh, I don’t cook. I support the local hospitality scene.
So what does a night with friends at your house look like?
I really enjoy socialising, but not at home. I’ve actually set up my home as a haven where my wellbeing comes first so I can unwind away from the pressure of work. It also provides a tranquil place where I can give Teddy plenty of attention which, it appears, is good for his wellbeing too. Sometimes it’s the simple pleasures, such as solitude, that are the most valuable.
Tell us something we don’t know about you.
I’m obsessed with horror films, especially zombie films.**
