Summarised by Centrist
Former Wellington mayor Tory Whanau has confirmed she is leaving New Zealand for Melbourne.
Whanau told supporters in a private Facebook announcement that she will relocate after failing to return to council through the te Whanganui a Tara Māori ward.
Whanau had signalled earlier this year that she was considering a move overseas following a turbulent term marked by a divided council, governance issues that required a Crown observer, and a string of personal controversies.
She previously said she was looking at local roles but described the Wellington job market as tight and noted she was exploring options in cities such as Melbourne and New York.
Her departure comes as New Zealand faces its largest annual migration loss to Australia since 2012, with a net 30,000 citizens crossing the Tasman.
Whanau has also taken legal action against several individuals over what she says were defamatory claims and harmful online behaviour. Earlier this year, she released an email written by Councillor Ray Chung in 2022 that alleged drug use and other personal misconduct. The claims were denied and became part of a wider political dispute during her term.
