Ray Chung faces backlash over email containing rumours about mayor

Friday 11 July 2025 · 6 outlets · 8 reports · updated Fri 11 Jul 2025, 5:25pm

In this story NZME, Tory Whanau, Ray Chung, Mark Dunajtschik

Wellington mayoral candidate Ray Chung is facing scrutiny after sending an email to councillors in 2023 containing unsubstantiated sexual rumours about Mayor Tory Whanau. Whanau is seeking legal advice regarding the claims, while donor Sir Mark Dunajtschik has withdrawn his support for Chung's campaign.

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1. NZ HeraldFri 11 Jul 2025, 5:00am

   Exclusive: Wellington mayoral candidate Ray Chung’s sex and drugs gossip about Tory Whanau (opens in new tab)

   • Sir Mark Dunajtschik withdraws support for Ray Chung after ‘dirty politics’ sex gossip email (opens in new tab) Fri 11 Jul 2025, 12:45pm
   • Wellington mayoral race: Ray Chung not dropping out over lewd Tory Whanau email (opens in new tab) Fri 11 Jul 2025, 5:25pm
2. RNZFri 11 Jul 2025, 8:52am

   Ray Chung defends sending gossip about Tory Whanau to other councillors (opens in new tab)

   • High-profile donor withdraws support of mayoral candidate Ray Chung after gossip email about mayor (opens in new tab) Fri 11 Jul 2025, 4:23pm
3. StuffFri 11 Jul 2025, 9:03am

   Ray Chung says 'neighbour' was source of salacious New Years party gossip email about Mayor Tory Whanau (opens in new tab)

4. The Press via The PostFri 11 Jul 2025, 9:57am

   Tory Whanau considers legal action over ‘false, sexist, personal attacks’ (opens in new tab)

   Also on The Post (opens in new tab)

5. 1News via RNZFri 11 Jul 2025, 10:41am

   Whanau hits back at Chung over 'malicious, sexist' rumour sent to councillors (opens in new tab)