CCTV denied as Ray Chung assault allegation remains unclear

Police have denied the release of CCTV footage sought by media outlet thisquality in relation to an alleged assault involving Wellington City Councillor Ray Chung.

The incident was reported to have taken place outside 1841 Bar and Restaurant in Johnsonville on 11 July. The complainant alleged that Chung punched them and pushed a metal door against them during an altercation.

Advertisement
    
    This ad is not available right now due to a network issue or pending review with the Google Advertisement Network. Please check back later.
  
    Advertisement
    Why this ad?
      
        Advertising revenue keeps articles from thisquality free to read. Ads are personalised by Google, not us. Thank you for your support! 🎉

Neither Police nor the Wellington City Council has confirmed that an assault occurred as described. Police stated that the matter was “not as reported,” a phrase that neither dismisses the allegation nor confirms its accuracy. Council has also declined to confirm or deny that an assault took place. Police have not said that nothing happened but they have not upheld the allegation in the form it was made. Their wording suggests that there were inconsistencies or that the complainant’s version did not entirely match the evidence available to investigators.

thisquality initially expected the CCTV footage to be released on or before 13 October under the Official Information Act. Police later extended the deadline to early November, citing internal consultations. In their final response on 18 November, Police confirmed that the requested footage and any related information were being withheld, citing the privacy of natural persons. Police stated that the privacy interests involved outweighed any public interest in releasing the material.

Image: Ray Chung organised a constituents meeting on his Facebook page under the events section at 1841 Bar & Restaurant in Johnsonville, Wellington. Dated 11 July, 2025. (Supplied / Facebook)

Police did say in the response that an anonymised version of their decision may be published on the Police website. The allegation, originally made during the mayoral election period when Ray Chung was a candidate, now continues to involve him in his capacity as a sitting Councillor.

Advertisement
    
    This ad is not available right now due to a network issue or pending review with the Google Advertisement Network. Please check back later.
  
    Advertisement
    Why this ad?
      
        Advertising revenue keeps articles from thisquality free to read. Ads are personalised by Google, not us. Thank you for your support! 🎉

thisquality has argued that the public should be able to see the CCTV footage or at least the notes made by officers who reviewed it. Both would help determine what happened outside the Johnsonville establishment and whether the complainant’s account is consistent with the evidence.

Because the footage and accompanying notes remain withheld several key questions are unresolved. These include what the footage actually shows, why Police characterised the incident as “not as reported,” and whether conflicting evidence or unclear details influenced the decision. It is also not known whether any portion of the footage or officer observations will ever be made publicly available.

Image: 1841 Bar Restaurant in Johnsonville, Wellington. The venue offers weekly entertainment, live sports viewing, and gaming options. (Supplied)

The events outside 1841 Bar and Restaurant remain uncertain. The allegation stands unproven in the form it was made, and the footage that could clarify the situation remains under Police control and not released to the public.

Support Brief Banner

Keep independent journalism going.

We are independent and committed to bringing authentic reporting to the people.

thisquality is built for the people and powered by their support. People like you reading this free article help us remain a strong and independent platform within New Zealand's media landscape.

I'd like to donate

About thisquality

Advertisement
    
    This ad is not available right now due to a network issue or pending review with the Google Advertisement Network. Please check back later.
  
    Advertisement
    Why this ad?
      
        Advertising revenue keeps articles from thisquality free to read. Ads are personalised by Google, not us. Thank you for your support! 🎉

Advertisement

Advertisement Why this ad? Advertising revenue keeps articles from thisquality free to read. Ads are personalised by Google, not us. Thank you for your support! 🎉