Tory Whanau is bowing out of Wellington's mayoral race.
The incumbent's confirmed she'll instead stand for the council's Māori ward seat to give former Labour Leader Andrew Little a clear run.
She says Little will do a good job, and she hopes people see her withdrawal as a gracious move.
Little's been critical of Whanau, calling rate increases under her leadership "simply not acceptable".
He told Ryan Bridge Whanau advised him before announcing her decision.
A key focus of both the residents and candidates is Wellington's high rates, and Little says he wants to slow the rise.
He says a 35% increase over the next three years is simply not acceptable.
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