Wellington Mayor Tori Whānau’s Instagram account is liking comments saying government intervention is an ‘attack’

The whanau office posted a clip on Instagram of a clip from the press conference with the caption “I remain fully focused on helping the people of Wellington” followed by a heart emoji.

In the video, the mayor said she believes council members should accept this decision and work with whoever is appointed to oversee the council.

As of 6pm last night, the whānau account had liked three comments on the Instagram post.

First reading “We are with you, Tori! This hit-and-run job is disgraceful.”

Another comment liked by the Whānau account at the time called the Wellington mayor “amazing” and congratulated her for standing up to “both the minister/government and the press”.

A third remark her account liked read: “So hang in there until we can remove these corrupt politicians from power. Good game. Close friends and enemies…” (sic).

In a statement following Brown’s announcement of her council intervention, Whānau said: “We must use this as an opportunity to put past divisions behind us and develop a coherent plan that benefits Wellingtonians.”

The council’s reversal of its decision to sell a 34% stake in Wellington Airport meant the council had “several difficult decisions to make in the coming weeks and months”, Whānau added.

As for what will or won’t be discussed as the council amends its long-term plan, the mayor reiterated that her focus is on addressing the city’s insurance risks “without raising rates.”

“Further, I have no intention of cutting projects that are critical to the growth and sustainability of our city. For me, this means protecting our social housing and continuing to fund water and key climate initiatives,” she said.

The whanau office did not provide any further comment Herald.

Wellington councilors are divided over whether government intervention is warranted after the airport’s share sale was called off last week.

At the time, council member Iona Pannett said talk of interference was “unacceptable.”

“It can be a little confusing, but we are still making good decisions,” she said.

Councilor Ray Chang said if he had trusted whanau he would not have run to unseat her as mayor.

“Wellington City Council never agreed on anything. It’s very, very difficult,” Chung told the media following talk of government intervention and reports that the local government minister was taking advice on the issue.

Azariah Howell is a Wellington-based multimedia reporter covering the region. She joined NZME in 2022 and has a keen interest in city council decisions, public service agency reform and transport.