Tory Whanau targeted: Ray Chung’s campaign faces backlash over sexist smear tactics

Wellington mayoral candidate Ray Chung, who is running under the Independent Together banner with support from lobbying group Better Wellington, is facing growing criticism after it was revealed he circulated an unverified and personal rumour about then-mayor Tory Whanau to fellow councillors in 2023. The incident is part of a wider pattern of smear-based tactics that critics say is linked to the campaign and its political backers.

The email was sent by Chung to three colleagues and repeated a third-hand allegation involving Whanau’s private life. The story, reportedly passed on from a neighbour’s son, was never substantiated and has been widely condemned as sexist and defamatory.

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Image: Independent Together campaign billboard, photographed in Wellington, New Zealand (Supplied)

Chung confirmed he sent the email but denied any malicious intent. “I just passed on what I heard,” per Radio New Zealand. “This is exactly what I was told… none of it was my opinion.” He acknowledged the email may have been inappropriate in hindsight, saying: “I think I’m wiser now.”

Whanau described the rumour in a statement as “malicious and sexist” and confirmed she was seeking legal advice. “What’s deeply concerning is that some of the individuals spreading these harmful falsehoods are now standing for election,” she said. “This is a tactic designed to dehumanise, wear people down, and discourage good people from standing for public office.”

The incident reportedly goes beyond a single email pointing to a political culture among some supporters of Independent Together, and its backers at Better Wellington, that has been accused of encouraging personal attacks for political gain.

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Video: Online extremism is growing louder within Aotearoa New Zealand’s political sphere. Wellington Mayor Tory Whanau’s story explains what’s at stake for indigenous, female, and queer leaders.

In an interview with filmmaker Paul Barlow Whanau cited a relentless campaign of conspiracy theories, online abuse, and digital disinformation that she says was designed to humiliate and intimidate her out of public life. In the raw and reflective interview Whanau spoke openly about how hostile fringe groups weaponised lies to smear her reputation and spread fear effectively derailing her political momentum.

One of the most damaging conspiracies she faced was a fabricated rumour that she had appeared in a sex tape. Though completely false, it spread rapidly online — and stuck.

“We told journalists that it didn’t exist,” Whanau said, “but that particular group had so much.. for whatever reason, it gained legs. And I’m still trying to bat off that rumour today.”

“It impacted me, which is probably what they wanted, is for me not to run for mayor again.”

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Whanau’s decision not to seek a second term as mayor has renewed focus on the personal toll of toxic political environments. In interviews over the past year, she has spoken about the “ugly side” of public life, including targeted harassment, racist and sexist abuse, and coordinated efforts to undermine her leadership.

She will now seek election to the council’s new Māori Ward. Her withdrawal from the mayoral race, however, has raised concerns about the message being sent to future candidates.

Image: Tory Whanau is the mayor of Wellington, elected in 2022. She is the city’s first Māori mayor - (Supplied, Facebook)

A targeted smear campaign

The email about Whanau appears to have been an early instance in a broader effort by political actors affiliated with Independent Together, a ticket backed by the lobbying group Better Wellington, to discredit the former mayor through insinuation rather than substantive criticism. Throughout her term, she faced sustained scrutiny over her personal life, including her openness about struggles with alcohol. While she has spoken candidly about challenges, she and others have noted that the tone of criticism she received often crossed the line into personal vilification.

Chung denied any knowledge of a broader opposition research effort, including reports of a dossier targeting rival candidates. However, multiple council sources say there has been a noticeable shift in tone within the Independent Together campaign in recent months.

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The campaign’s messaging has leaned heavily on populist frustration and claims of dysfunction at City Hall paired with vague or personal criticisms of other elected members. In community meetings and online forums, supporters have been accused of repeating unverified allegations about Whanau and other councillors.

Misinformation was spread anonymously through local Facebook groups and message boards consistent with the broader narrative promoted by supporters of Independent Together and Better Wellington.

Image: Mayoral candidate Andrew Little positions himself as a voice of integrity in the race, calling out smear tactics and urging a return to respectful, issues-based politics (Facebook / Supplied)

Former Labour MP Andrew Little now running for Wellington mayor has positioned himself as a candidate focused on transparency and fair campaigning. He has condemned the use of smear tactics and disinformation in the race, particularly targeting the actions of rival campaigners.

Little emphasised the need for political discourse to remain centered on policy and substance, urging a shift away from grubby attacks and toward a more respectful solutions-focused debate in Wellington.

“You might have seen the news about what the people behind Ray Chung and Independent Together are doing. They’ve put together a dirt file on other candidates; they’re putting disinformation out on social media; they’re even bringing other candidates’ children into their campaign,” he says.

“It’s toxic, grubby stuff that we just don’t need in Wellington.”

Image: Wellington local elections voting sign. One way communities can push back against disinformation campaigns (Image: stock / Electoral Commission)

Voters face a choice

With the local body election approaching, revelations about Chung’s actions raise significant questions about the kind of leadership voters want.

As Wellingtonians prepare to head to the polls, the issue is no longer just about one email. It’s about whether a campaign built on whispers and innuendo can be trusted to govern in the public’s interest.

Video: Fabricated Consent: Astroturfs Go Local by Paul the Other One dives into how far-right groups are influencing local politics in Aotearoa New Zealand.

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