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. 

LISTEN ABOVE 

Tory Whanau is bowing out of Wellington's mayoral race.&nbsp;
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.&nbsp;
She says Little will do a good job, and she hopes people see her withdrawal as a gracious move.&nbsp;
Little's been critical of Whanau, calling rate increases under her leadership "simply not acceptable".&nbsp;
He told Ryan Bridge Whanau advised him before announcing her decision.&nbsp;
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.&nbsp;
LISTEN ABOVE&nbsp;

A fresh and intelligent start to your day - catch the very latest international and domestic news developments, sport, entertainment and business on Early Edition with Ryan Bridge, on Newstalk ZB.

A fresh and intelligent start to your day - catch the very latest international and domestic news developments, sport, entertainment and business on Early Edition with Ryan Bridge, on Newstalk ZB.

Early Edition with Ryan Bridge

Andrew Little: Former Labour Leader on his bid for Wellington Mayor, Tory Whanau bowing out

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/79c3f511-63b1-4457-929f-b2cd01627240/transcript