https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/wel...previous-mayor


Tipsy mayor a 'sad day for all of Wellington', says previous mayor


As more witnesses to Wellington Mayor Tory Whanau’s behaviour on Friday night come forward, a former holder of her office says the city’s “number one citizen” needs to be constantly alert while the capital’s deputy steps up to defend her boss.

“It’s a sad day for all of Wellington to get their newspaper today and see their number one citizen on the front page with an allegation as was reported,” said former three-term mayor Kerry Prendergast on Monday.

The Post revealed on Monday that staff at Wellington restaurant The Old Quarter said Whanau and a friend came to the restaurant on Friday already tipsy and got progressively drunker. Whanau allegedly asked the waiter, “Do you know who I am” before she and her friend left without paying. The friend got in touch on Saturday and settled the bill.

Whanau, who The Post recently ran a full profile on, has now admitted she was tipsy and that she accidentally left without paying, but denies she asked if the waiter knew who she was.

Fine style - Wellingtonians .. you got a good one there