Mayor making history TORY'S DOING IT HER WA

Running her city see med like a capital idea - so wonderful,in fact, she says"It feels like I've won Lotto again!'

- Wendyl Nissen

Wellington's brand-new W mayor Tory Whanau sits down for a cuppa with the Weekly and tells us how her new job has affected her, and why it is the best thing in her life.

You've recently become Wellington's mayor. How has that changed your life?

It has completely changed my life. I'm now a public figure and get recognised wherever I go. I get to make amazing decisions for the city and to interact with our inspiring communities. I feel very privileged.

You have a busy, high profile job. How do you keep yourself centred?

First up is playing and looking after the love of my life, my little Stafford bull terrier called Teddy. I also have a great office team who make sure I have time to look after my mental and physical health. That is a priority for me and I encourage everyone in my team to look after themselves too.

You won $1.4 million in Lotto years ago. What do you think your life would have been like if you hadn't won it?

Life would have been a lot harder as I'd have had access to fewer opportunities, but I still think I'd be the mayor of Wellington today. It's just that the path taken to get there would have had different challenges to overcome.

You are of Pakakohe and NgāRuahine descent, and Wellington’s first wahine Māori mayor. Is it about time?