Tory Whanau: Extraordinary moment: New Zealand’s mayor must admit she has a drinking problem – as pictures of her drunk appear online

A major city mayor has admitted she has a drinking problem after new photos of her appearing drunk circulated online.

Tory Whanau, the mayor of New Zealand’s capital Wellington, made headlines in July when she reportedly left a restaurant without paying the bill after telling a waiter: “Do you know who I am?”

The most recent incident involving the mayor occurred on November 18 at the city’s Havana Bar, where she and another person were “visibly” drunk.

In a written statement on Wednesday, Ms Whanau said she had a drinking problem and said the incident had been recorded to her “great shame and embarrassment”.

“I sought advice from my friends, family and colleagues and have since sought professional help,” the mayor said.

She added that “leadership positions in public office are not for ordinary people who struggle with addiction, mental health issues or other stigmatized illnesses.”

“We have seen this recently with politicians across the political spectrum ending their careers,” their statement read.

“I’m a flawed person, but I care a lot about this city. I will continue to represent the hopes and aspirations of my local community and will do so with the compassion and care of those around me and the professional help needed.”

After speaking out about her problem and saying she intends to stay on as mayor, Ms Whanau said others struggling with alcohol problems “can get help and still be meaningfully involved in their passions, their work, their family and friends can get involved.”

“We are complex, multifaceted people and we deserve love,” she said.

Another Wellington councillor, Diane Calvert, told radio station Newstalk ZB that she hoped Ms Whanau would get the help she needed.

“As a city council, we have to make sure we have the right resources, because as mayor you have certain responsibilities, especially in emergency situations and disaster relief, and of course we have our long-term plan in the works. ,’ she said.

Ms Calvert said councilors were surprised by Ms Whanau’s statement.

“We had no idea, although I have to say we haven’t seen much of the mayor in the past few months,” she said.

In July, a video emerged of Ms Whanau interacting with a waiter while holding a bottle of wine (pictured)

Roger Young, the owner of the Havana bar, said he was at the scene when the mayor’s images were filmed.

“All my co-workers said you and your friends were very respectful and just having a good time,” he wrote on social media.

“It makes me very sad that we can’t just go out and have fun anymore. “You were great and you’re always welcome at Havana Bar.”

Ms Whanau responded and thanked Mr Young for his support.

Tamatha Paul, who was elected to the New Zealand Parliament for the Green Party in last month’s general election, said on social media: “This change in the world is cruel.” Especially if you are a wahine (female) Maori.

“I send all my love and support to our mayor, he is kind and brave and has a lot to offer our city,” Ms Paul said.

In July, Ms Whanau strongly denied asking a waiter “Do you know who I am?” or that she was drunk at the Old Quarter Vietnamese fusion restaurant.

But the 40-year-old admitted she was “tipsy” and left without paying the bill because there was a “misunderstanding” with friends which left her “embarrassed.”

After speaking out about her problem and saying she plans to remain mayor, Ms Whanau (pictured) urged others struggling with alcohol problems to seek help

She said she was “a bit spry after a few wines and a hearty meal”, but the fact that she wasn’t wearing make-up was taken as drunkenness.

Andrew Jenkins, the waiter who served her, once claimed she had a bottle of wine in her hand when she asked him: “Do you know who I am?”

He didn’t know who she was but suspected she was a politician, prompting Ms Whanau to say: “I’m the mayor, can you do your thing?”

The mayor dismissed the interaction, saying, “I just wouldn’t say that. I deny that I said that.”