Ray Chung says, in hindsight, it might not have been the best idea to send an email containing third-hand claims. Photo: RNZ / Samuel Rillstone
Wellington mayoral candidate Ray Chung says, in hindsight, sending an email containing third-hand claims about a sexual encounter with mayor Tory Whanau might not have been the best idea.
Chung sent an email, seen by RNZ, to three fellow councillors in early 2023 recounting a story he had been told about Whanau by his neighbour about the neighbour's son.
Whanau has declined to be interviewed, but in a statement said the claims were a "malicious and sexist rumour".
"What's deeply concerning is that some of the individuals spreading these harmful falsehoods are now standing for election," she said.
"Ray Chung has circulated a malicious and sexist rumour - a tactic designed to dehumanise, wear people down, and discourage good people from standing for public office.
She said she was seeking legal advice.
"(I) am speaking publicly because I believe we must take a stand against these kinds of false, sexist, and personal attacks," the statement said.
"Our city deserves elected members who uphold the highest standards of respect, honesty, and integrity."
Chung told Morning Report he did write the email.
He said it was because it was soon after the election and he wanted his colleagues' opinions on what they thought of a relatively unknown mayor.
"On hindsight, if that was now, I think we're more aware of the things that we should or shouldn't say or the things that we should or shouldn't pass on. I think that I'm wiser now after a couple of years in council."
Wellington mayor Tory Whanau Photo: RNZ / Samuel Rillstone
"I wouldn't object to apologising to [Whanau] but it's actually interesting how it's actually being cast," he said.
He claimed the email had been released now for "political purposes".
He said the email was sent following a conversation with a neighbour while he was out walking his dog.
"I sent it off to my closest colleagues on council and so I said 'what do you think about this?'"
Asked about the language used in the email, Chung said he repeated the story "verbatim".
"This is exactly what I was told... none of it was my opinion."
Chung said he didn't know about an alleged dossier of information against his opponents that The Post reported on earlier this week.
High-profile mayoral contender and former Labour MP Andrew Little said of Chung sending the email: "This is unacceptable behaviour and if elected mayor I would have zero tolerance for it".
Chung, a current city councillor for the Wharangi/Onslow-Western Ward, is standing as mayor under the Independent Together banner.
Whanau has said she won't stand again for the mayoralty, though she is standing for the council's Māori Ward.
She has previously told RNZ about the "ugly" side of politics she has faced.
She faced a bumpy time as mayor amid drinking problems and an ADHD diagnosis.
Whanau's statement on Friday went to say "politics has changed".
"In my first campaign, we saw respectful debate and no dirty politics. Now, for some candidates, smear tactics seem to have become the norm," she said.
"A healthy democracy thrives on open, fair, and honest discussion about the issues that matter. It is undermined when false rumours, personal attacks, and defamatory statements are used to damage others. I urge the public to be vigilant and to thoroughly research who they are voting for."
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