Wellington mayoral candidate Ray Chung has strongly condemned what he describes as a “concerted campaign” to discredit him following the leak of a private email he sent over two years ago.
The email, addressed to three of his fellow councillors and never intended for public release, was recently passed to media outlets in what Chung says is a deliberate attempt to damage his bid for the mayoralty.
“I regret writing it and regret sharing it with people I thought trustworthy,” Chung said in a statement posted online Sunday evening, calling the leak a political smear designed to undermine both him and the Independent Together ticket he leads.
Online sources suggest the email, dating back to late 2021, resurfaced through channels aligned with political operatives, raising concerns about the use of private correspondence in local electoral campaigns.
While the content of the email has not been widely published, it is believed to relate to incumbent Tory Whanau’s sex life. Its release has sparked tensions and led to personal abuse directed at Chung, including a confrontation in Johnsonville.
Chung maintains he has not—and will not—engage in personal attacks against his opponents.
“Dirty politics will not be tolerated. I will call it out,” he said, accusing rival political groups of being more focused on “political games than making Wellington affordable.”
Despite the controversy, Chung says his campaign remains focused on reducing the rates burden, restoring council basics, and ending party dominance at the council table.
IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT FROM WELLINGTON MAYORAL CANDIDATE RAY CHUNGhttps://t.co/Qhwm1zqBR1 pic.twitter.com/h26c4rSo1d
— Independent Together (@VoteforITWgtn) July 13, 2025
Vote for Ray Chung Mayor of Wellington. He is a good guy. The leftist looneys are trying to do a smear campaign on him. Vote RAY CHUNG for MAYOR in Wellington this October.
Agree Michelle. If I was still in Wellington I’d certainly give him a tick in the box.
Just look at what happened to Liz Gunn and you can see what’s happened to politics in NZ. I hope people vote for this man, his policy is sound and he seems sincere……
They did the same in Porirua smeared the encumbant with lies advertising in the paper where the gullible feel for the lies with the current mayor stealing the win – it’s the ahepple that need to open their eyes
Depending on sheeple? Really? There should be a basic intelligence test to be allowed to vote and to breed.
I’m inclined to vote for Raygun simply because the rest of the field are nutters. Like Andrew Little, for example, I mean come on.
Andrew Little hasn’t achieved anything that I could ever put my finger on. Little by name little by nature. Vote for little get even less.
Little is a has been who never was.voting for Little would be like a Turkey voting for Christmas. The socialists have ruined Wellington and I am not sure jt can ever be repaired.
The only people who will vote for Little are the lefty nut bags who don’t own houses.
Chung is the last RAY of hope for Wellington, if he doesn’t get in Wellington is doomed.
I am voting Mr Ray Chung. Would like to know who else is standing and supporting him.
On the matter of a leaked email….
Who was the person who leaked the email?
Let me share some wisdom. Be careful what information you share and to whom. People (even family) like to announce their special inner circle by sharing confidential personal information. Here’s the thing, if you do this you could cause serious psychological damage to that person leading to loss of close friends, employment, family, and suicide.
Demand a refund Ray! How would ANYONE vote for that snake, thanks for nothing wellington. What a bunch of wallies y’all need another jab me thinks although the thing you voted in isn’t jabbed…🤬🤬🤬😡😡😡🤬🤬🤬