In a recent poll conducted by Curia Market Research Ltd for the New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union, Wellington City Mayor Tory Whanau finds herself in a challenging position, ranking third among the mayors of New Zealand’s three largest cities with a significantly negative approval rating. This article, brought to you by One Network Wellington Live, delves into the details of this poll, its implications for Wellington, and what it might mean for the future of local governance in our city.

The Poll Results: A Closer Look

The poll, which ran from January 2023 to February 2025, involved a substantial sample size of 24,000 respondents, ensuring a broad representation of New Zealand’s voting population. Here’s how the mayors of Auckland, Christchurch, and Wellington stood in February 2025:

• Wayne Brown (Auckland): +14% approval
• Phil Mauger (Christchurch): +1% approval
• Tory Whanau (Wellington): -42% approval

This data paints a stark picture, especially for Mayor Whanau, whose approval rating has plummeted to -42%, making her the third least approved mayor in the country.

Tracking Mayor Whanau’s Approval Over Time

When Mayor Whanau first took office, her approval rating was positive at +4%. However, this quickly shifted to a slight decline to -1% by the end of her first quarter. A significant drop to -30% followed, and despite a minor recovery to -11% in June 2024, her rating took another sharp decline to -42% by February 2025. This trend reflects growing dissatisfaction among Wellingtonians.

According to Sam Warren, the Taxpayers’ Union Campaigns Manager for Local Government, “Wellington City Mayor Tory Whanau had a positive score of +4 percent in her first quarter, followed by a slight decline to -1 percent. A massive drop took to -30 percent took place, and she has stayed in the negatives since.” This statement underscores the dramatic shift in public perception.

Why the Decline?

Several factors contribute to Mayor Whanau’s declining approval. One significant event was her failure to pass the Long-term Plan, which led to the government appointing an observer to oversee council activities. This intervention likely contributed to the public’s loss of confidence in her leadership. Additionally, the financial burden on ratepayers has been a sore point. Wellington City saw the highest rates increase last year among the three cities, with projections indicating a further increase of over 175% in the next decade. This financial strain is reflected in her low approval score.

Comparative Analysis with Other Mayors

In contrast, Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown has managed to improve his approval rating to +14%, partly due to his strategy of keeping rates increases lower than his counterparts. Christchurch Mayor Phil Mauger’s approval has fluctuated, ending at a neutral +1% in February 2025. These comparisons highlight different approaches to governance and public perception.

Warren noted, “Of the three mayors from our largest councils, only Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown has actually improved his approval score. Perhaps not so coincidentally, it is also Mayor Wayne Brown who has kept local rates increases the lowest of the three metro mayors.”

Implications for Wellington

The negative approval rating for Mayor Whanau is more than just a number; it’s a reflection of public sentiment towards local governance in Wellington. High rates increases, coupled with governance issues, have led to a trust deficit. For Wellingtonians, this situation raises questions about the direction of city management, the prioritization of public funds, and the effectiveness of leadership in addressing community needs.

The poll results suggest a need for Mayor Whanau to reassess her strategies, focusing on transparency, fiscal responsibility, and community engagement to rebuild trust. The significant rates increase projected over the next decade is a critical issue that requires innovative solutions to ensure affordability and sustainability for all residents.

Public Reaction and Future Prospects

The reaction from the Wellington community has been one of concern and calls for change. Public forums, social media, and local news outlets have been abuzz with discussions on how to move forward. With Mayor Wayne Brown announcing his re-election bid, the spotlight might soon turn to Wellington, where the political landscape could shift significantly based on public sentiment.

For Mayor Whanau, the road to recovery involves not just policy adjustments but also a concerted effort to engage with the community, explain decisions, and perhaps most importantly, listen to the concerns of Wellingtonians. The upcoming local elections will be a critical juncture, where her performance and public perception will be put to the test.

Looking at the Data

The poll’s methodology, involving a large sample size and a mix of phone and online responses, provides a robust dataset. With a margin of error of +/- 0.6%, the results are statistically significant, offering a reliable snapshot of public opinion. For those interested in the detailed performance trends of the metro mayors, a chart is available at www.taxpayers.org.nz/metro_mayors.

Conclusion

The current approval ratings are a wake-up call for local governance in Wellington. Mayor Tory Whanau’s position at -42% is a clear indicator of the challenges ahead. However, it also presents an opportunity for reflection, reform, and reconnection with the community. As Wellingtonians, our engagement with local politics can shape the future of our city, ensuring it remains vibrant, affordable, and well-governed.

Note: This article was written on behalf of One Network Wellington Live to provide insight into the recent mayoral poll results affecting Wellington. We encourage our readers to stay informed and engaged with local governance issues, as your voice matters in shaping our city’s future.