Tory Whanau decided not to run for mayor again this year. (File photo) Photo: RNZ / Mark Papalii
Newly elected Wellington mayor Andrew Little has acknowledged his predecessor Tory Whanau faced toxic behaviour.
In his speech to supporters, he said, "Public service demands courage and Tory has shown it. She has faced toxic behaviour that no one should ever have to endure. That must never be normalised, and every councillor, every single one of us, has a duty to call it out and shut it down.
In April, Whanau announced she would not run again for the mayoral chains, after former Labour Party leader Little threw his hat into the ring.
Whanau had previously been open about how she considered quitting the mayoralty after facing scrutiny for her political and personal challenges.
Instead, she stood for Wellington's Te Whanganui-a-Tara Māori Ward, but was not elected.
In his speech, Little said Wellington now had the chance to "build a council that reflects that spirit and delivers for its people".
"We're going to build a city that works - with better public transport and with the basics done well. A city that builds more affordable homes, and provides real support for those without one.
"A city that cares - about people's safety and livelihoods, about the climate, about Te Tiriti o Waitangi, and leaving no one behind."
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