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Ex-Wellington Mayor Moves to Melbourne Amid Mass Exodus

1/19/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Tory Whanau, former mayor of Wellington, New Zealand, is relocating to Melbourne.
She cites a desire to leave the political spotlight and difficulty securing government work because of her stance on the conservative government.
Over the past year, more than 71,000 New Zealanders left the country, with about 26,000 returning, representing over 1% of the population and the highest since the 2008 financial crisis.

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Story summary

Tory Whanau, former mayor of Wellington, New Zealand, is relocating to Melbourne.
She cites a desire to leave the political spotlight and difficulty securing government work because of her stance on the conservative government.
Over the past year, more than 71,000 New Zealanders left the country, with about 26,000 returning, representing over 1% of the population and the highest since the 2008 financial crisis.