Wellington’s soul thrives on ambition, yet its council chambers pulse with distrust. Tory Whanau, the city’s mayor, promised unity, fixed pipes, and vibrant progress. Instead, her tenure faces accusations of lies, scandals, and a staggering $500 million overspend at Civic Square. As One Network Wellington Live, we unravel the truth, exposing a pattern of deception that leaves Wellingtonians questioning their leaders. The capital demands clarity, so let’s dive into the chaos shaking its heart.

Whanau campaigned as a unifier, vowing to mend council rifts. Her past as a political operative, however, suggested she knew this was near impossible. Critics call this her first lie, a wobbly foundation. She also pledged to fix Wellington’s leaking pipes, a daily frustration for residents. Yet, delays and mismanagement persist, leaving locals fuming. Many brand this her second falsehood, as water crises drag on.

Her ties to Let’s Get Wellington Moving (LGWM) fuelled further doubt. Whanau dined with a consultant linked to the project, which critics say squandered millions on speed bumps and cycle lanes. LGWM’s collapse marked her third lie, as promises fizzled. Meanwhile, an unpaid restaurant bill surfaced, a minor but careless blunder. Some call it her first public offence, amplifying perceptions of sloppiness.

At Civic Square, a financial storm brews. Allegations swirl that Whanau’s council overspent $500 million on projects like social housing and infrastructure upgrades, with costs spiralling beyond budgets. Critics point to the square’s blocked-off demolition site as a symbol of mismanagement, arguing funds vanished into poorly planned schemes. This controversy, layered onto her other missteps, deepens public outrage over fiscal irresponsibility.

More serious claims emerged. Whanau faced rumours of drug use at work, though evidence remains thin. A reported sexual act at Havana Bar with a Ray White agent stirred gossip, but legal barriers block video sharing. No charges followed, yet her team’s frantic response raised suspicions. She also allegedly smuggled her dog, Teddy, into the office, throwing a tantrum when barred. These unproven incidents paint a picture of disorder.

Her work habits sparked criticism. Critics claim she refused to work beyond 45 minutes, citing ADHD and autism. Some Wellingtonians view this as exploiting disability communities, calling it “bad form.” Missing airport board meetings, where she holds a seat, eroded trust further. She then lied about selling Wellington Airport shares, later apologising to Mana Whenua for misleading colleagues. The damage lingered.

Whanau’s public statements often clashed with reality. She claimed she sold her car to pay bills, a tale repeated on national TV. When pressed, she admitted it was untrue. She vowed to quit drinking after public mishaps, yet reports of intoxication at events persisted. Critics say she spins narratives against rivals. A Wellington Live reporter allegedly faced her threat to “watch out,” chilling local media.

Her leadership strained council ties. Whanau blamed CEO Barbara McKerrow for the Reading Cinemas debacle, dodging accountability. Winston Peters accused her of ignoring Wellington’s core issues. Rumours of frequent drug use and an implausible seven Covid infections—though unverified—added to the chaos. Her hiring of Lynda Clark, a Labour-linked lawyer, to probe a councillor was later deemed political abuse, fuelling nepotism claims.

Whanau’s platform—Fixing our pipes👎; More warm, dry homes for all✅; More efficient public transport options✅; Mental health support, alcohol and harm reduction; Safer streets👎; Arts and culture revitalisation👎; Business support👎; Climate action👎—has stumbled. Housing and transport saw gains, but pipes, safety, arts, and climate goals lag. The $500 million Civic Square overspend casts a shadow over her fiscal promises, with locals decrying wasted funds. As Whanau opts out of the mayoral race, Andrew Little steps forward, but the council’s credibility hangs by a thread.

Wellington craves honest leadership. The allegations against Whanau—lies, misconduct, nepotism, and reckless spending—darken the city’s future. Yet, its spirit endures. Residents demand truth, accountability, and progress. As One Network Wellington Live, we call for a reckoning. Where does Wellington start? With courage, clarity, and a vow to rebuild.