Ethan Manera
@ethanmanera.bsky.social
New Zealand Herald Wellington Journalist
ethan.manera@nzme.co.nz
ethan.manera@nzme.co.nz
NZTA and the minister had refused to share a timeline, but the Herald can reveal the second Mt Victoria Tunnel and SH1 improvements project will take a decade to complete.
www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/wellingto...
www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/wellingto...
Capital's $3.8b tunnel project to won't be finished for ten years
A timeline for the project was previously kept secret, but can now been revealed
www.nzherald.co.nz
December 3, 2025 at 4:54 AM
NZTA and the minister had refused to share a timeline, but the Herald can reveal the second Mt Victoria Tunnel and SH1 improvements project will take a decade to complete.
www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/wellingto...
www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/wellingto...
Reposted by Ethan Manera
Revealed: Gold discovery in Wellington hills and why Shane Jones is 'excited'
www.nzherald.co.nz
November 26, 2025 at 5:22 AM
ANALYSIS - Labour and the Greens appear increasingly at odds around the Wellington City Council table despite local body elections delivering a left-leaning majority for Mayor Andrew Little.
www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/wellingto...
www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/wellingto...
Rifts already emerging in left-bloc majority of Andrew Little's new council
ANALYSIS: After a year of bad blood, party differences came to a head last week.
www.nzherald.co.nz
November 26, 2025 at 5:49 AM
ANALYSIS - Labour and the Greens appear increasingly at odds around the Wellington City Council table despite local body elections delivering a left-leaning majority for Mayor Andrew Little.
www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/wellingto...
www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/wellingto...
Andrew Little scraps Tory Whanau-era mayoral business advisory group.
Little said it “didn’t work that well” and business leaders didn’t feel listened to.
www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/wellingto...
Little said it “didn’t work that well” and business leaders didn’t feel listened to.
www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/wellingto...
'It didn’t work that well': Andrew Little scraps Tory Whanau's business group
The mayor said business leaders "didn’t feel listened to" by Tory Whanau's initiative.
www.nzherald.co.nz
November 12, 2025 at 9:17 PM
Andrew Little scraps Tory Whanau-era mayoral business advisory group.
Little said it “didn’t work that well” and business leaders didn’t feel listened to.
www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/wellingto...
Little said it “didn’t work that well” and business leaders didn’t feel listened to.
www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/wellingto...
After a long court battle, Wellington Live’s Graham Bloxham has won his fight with police over a driving charge.
Have a read of how the former mayoral hopeful’s police chase and arrest unfolded.
www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/wellingto...
Have a read of how the former mayoral hopeful’s police chase and arrest unfolded.
www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/wellingto...
Former Wellington mayoral hopeful wins case over police pursuit
Charge against Graham Bloxham dismissed as police could not provide firm evidence.
www.nzherald.co.nz
October 16, 2025 at 3:41 AM
After a long court battle, Wellington Live’s Graham Bloxham has won his fight with police over a driving charge.
Have a read of how the former mayoral hopeful’s police chase and arrest unfolded.
www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/wellingto...
Have a read of how the former mayoral hopeful’s police chase and arrest unfolded.
www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/wellingto...
“Chung's bid for mayor was taken advantage of by those with an axe to grind about issues he likely didn't even understand.”
OPINION: How Ray Chung’s once-promising mayoral bid collapsed in a landslide defeat
www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/wellingto...
OPINION: How Ray Chung’s once-promising mayoral bid collapsed in a landslide defeat
www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/wellingto...
He was so confident in mayoral bid he reserved a $90k Rolex. Here's how it went so wrong
OPINION: Once a front-runner, Ray Chung's campaign style and scandal sank his mayoral bid.
www.nzherald.co.nz
October 12, 2025 at 3:53 AM
“Chung's bid for mayor was taken advantage of by those with an axe to grind about issues he likely didn't even understand.”
OPINION: How Ray Chung’s once-promising mayoral bid collapsed in a landslide defeat
www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/wellingto...
OPINION: How Ray Chung’s once-promising mayoral bid collapsed in a landslide defeat
www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/wellingto...
SCOOP:Hundreds of top secret council documents, termination agreements, a sexual harassment claim, and staff pay details, landed in the hands of a man (and now the Herald) who bought the old mayoral desk at the tip
The revelation triggered an urgent investigation
www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/wellingto...
The revelation triggered an urgent investigation
www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/wellingto...
‘I’m appalled’: Stash of top-secret files found in old mayoral desk sold to man at dump
The cache contained documents detailing staff pay and serious workplace allegations.
www.nzherald.co.nz
September 26, 2025 at 9:16 PM
SCOOP:Hundreds of top secret council documents, termination agreements, a sexual harassment claim, and staff pay details, landed in the hands of a man (and now the Herald) who bought the old mayoral desk at the tip
The revelation triggered an urgent investigation
www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/wellingto...
The revelation triggered an urgent investigation
www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/wellingto...
The council’s new CEO has called in consultancy firm Deloitte to undertake a wide-ranging review into the council’s operations, dubbed Future-Fit Pōneke.
The Herald understands it could spell significant changes to council services and staffing levels.
www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/wellingto...
The Herald understands it could spell significant changes to council services and staffing levels.
www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/wellingto...
Consultants called in to review Wellington City Council, layoffs expected
Consultancy firm Deloitte is looking into the council's staffing and services.
www.nzherald.co.nz
September 9, 2025 at 12:26 AM
The council’s new CEO has called in consultancy firm Deloitte to undertake a wide-ranging review into the council’s operations, dubbed Future-Fit Pōneke.
The Herald understands it could spell significant changes to council services and staffing levels.
www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/wellingto...
The Herald understands it could spell significant changes to council services and staffing levels.
www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/wellingto...
Wellington mayoral candidate and former city councillor Rob Goulden is being accused of “shouting at kids” and becoming aggressive after he was refused entry to a mayoral debate last night.
www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/wellingto...
www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/wellingto...
'Aggressive behaviour ': Wellington mayoral candidate led by security from debate
Rob Goulden was accused of shouting at organisers after a debate snub.
www.nzherald.co.nz
August 7, 2025 at 2:06 AM
Wellington mayoral candidate and former city councillor Rob Goulden is being accused of “shouting at kids” and becoming aggressive after he was refused entry to a mayoral debate last night.
www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/wellingto...
www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/wellingto...
Bloxham’s out!
Controversial Wellington mayoral candidate Graham Bloxham quits race after talking to his neighbour’s cat
www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/wellingto...
Controversial Wellington mayoral candidate Graham Bloxham quits race after talking to his neighbour’s cat
www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/wellingto...
Controversial Wellington mayoral candidate quits race, cites 'personal attacks'
Graham Bloxham says he's decided not to run after 'talking to the neighbour’s cat'.
www.nzherald.co.nz
July 29, 2025 at 6:53 AM
Bloxham’s out!
Controversial Wellington mayoral candidate Graham Bloxham quits race after talking to his neighbour’s cat
www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/wellingto...
Controversial Wellington mayoral candidate Graham Bloxham quits race after talking to his neighbour’s cat
www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/wellingto...
Allegations of inappropriate, aggressive, and threatening behaviour have been levelled at Wellington City Councillors by their own colleagues, with elected officials in the capital facing more staff complaints than councillors in any other main centre.
www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/wellingto...
www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/wellingto...
'Bullying, defamation': Wellington City Councillors most complained about
Councillors have been accused of being inappropriate and intimidating to staff.
www.nzherald.co.nz
July 27, 2025 at 11:37 PM
Allegations of inappropriate, aggressive, and threatening behaviour have been levelled at Wellington City Councillors by their own colleagues, with elected officials in the capital facing more staff complaints than councillors in any other main centre.
www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/wellingto...
www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/wellingto...
Four candidates have now quit Ray Chung’s campaign group.
The most recent, Lily Brown, has announced she “no longer feels aligned with the tactics or political approach” of Independent Together.
www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/wellingto...
The most recent, Lily Brown, has announced she “no longer feels aligned with the tactics or political approach” of Independent Together.
www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/wellingto...
Chung’s campaign group loses candidate amid email scandal
Lily Brown said she didn't feel aligned with the tactics of the mayoral candidate's group.
www.nzherald.co.nz
July 16, 2025 at 9:47 PM
Four candidates have now quit Ray Chung’s campaign group.
The most recent, Lily Brown, has announced she “no longer feels aligned with the tactics or political approach” of Independent Together.
www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/wellingto...
The most recent, Lily Brown, has announced she “no longer feels aligned with the tactics or political approach” of Independent Together.
www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/wellingto...
Wellington Chamber of Commerce: String of departures from leadership team before CEO’s resignation
www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/wellingto...
www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/wellingto...
String of leaders left Wellington Chamber of Commerce before CEO’s abrupt exit
CEO Simon Arcus resigned, effective immediately, on Friday afternoon.
www.nzherald.co.nz
July 15, 2025 at 11:16 PM
Wellington Chamber of Commerce: String of departures from leadership team before CEO’s resignation
www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/wellingto...
www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/wellingto...
Ray Chung's rich list backer has formally withdrawn his public support, after revelations Chung sent an email detailing an unsavoury sexual rumour about Mayor Tory Whanau.
www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/wellingto...
www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/wellingto...
Ray Chung’s rich-list backer withdraws support after sex gossip email about Tory Whanau
The high-profile donor says he's disappointed in Chung calling it 'dirty politics'.
www.nzherald.co.nz
July 11, 2025 at 12:57 AM
Ray Chung's rich list backer has formally withdrawn his public support, after revelations Chung sent an email detailing an unsavoury sexual rumour about Mayor Tory Whanau.
www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/wellingto...
www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/wellingto...
Really appreciate Kris speaking so openly about her tough and personal decision to close her business of 11 years.
Popular Wellington vegan cafe Sweet Release closing.
www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/wellingto...
Popular Wellington vegan cafe Sweet Release closing.
www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/wellingto...
Popular Wellington cafe to close after owner's 'heartbreak' losing baby
Sweet Release's Kris Bartley wants to focus completely on her new pregnancy.
www.nzherald.co.nz
July 4, 2025 at 5:46 AM
Really appreciate Kris speaking so openly about her tough and personal decision to close her business of 11 years.
Popular Wellington vegan cafe Sweet Release closing.
www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/wellingto...
Popular Wellington vegan cafe Sweet Release closing.
www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/wellingto...
REVEALED: The rich-lister bankrolling Ray Chung's Wellington mayoral bid
www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/rich-list...
www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/rich-list...
Rich-lister philanthropist backs Wellington mayoral hopeful Ray Chung
The wealthy donor believes the capital is in 'serious decline'.
www.nzherald.co.nz
June 18, 2025 at 7:12 PM
REVEALED: The rich-lister bankrolling Ray Chung's Wellington mayoral bid
www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/rich-list...
www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/rich-list...
Gordon Wilson Flats: Heritage advocates opposed to demolition of derelict Wellington building
Heritage New Zealand has issued a statement to say its “deeply disappointed”, saying the building is "part of Wellington's social and architectural landscape".
www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/gordon-wi...
Heritage New Zealand has issued a statement to say its “deeply disappointed”, saying the building is "part of Wellington's social and architectural landscape".
www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/gordon-wi...
Heritage NZ ‘deeply disappointed’ by stripped protection for Gordon Wilson Flats
The decision to delist the building has reignited the city's heritage debate.
www.nzherald.co.nz
June 17, 2025 at 4:15 AM
Gordon Wilson Flats: Heritage advocates opposed to demolition of derelict Wellington building
Heritage New Zealand has issued a statement to say its “deeply disappointed”, saying the building is "part of Wellington's social and architectural landscape".
www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/gordon-wi...
Heritage New Zealand has issued a statement to say its “deeply disappointed”, saying the building is "part of Wellington's social and architectural landscape".
www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/gordon-wi...
Ray Chung, taking the stage to the Rocky theme tune, has launched his Wellington mayoral campaign.
Among the crowd was philanthropist Sir Mark Dunajtschick, disgraced former National MP Aaron Gilmore, and fellow mayoral candidates Graham Bloxham and Rob Goulden.
www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/ray-chung...
Among the crowd was philanthropist Sir Mark Dunajtschick, disgraced former National MP Aaron Gilmore, and fellow mayoral candidates Graham Bloxham and Rob Goulden.
www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/ray-chung...
'Nemesis of the deep state': Mayoral hopeful launches campaign to Rocky theme
Ray Chung was introduced as the "independent hope for the downtrodden ratepayer".
www.nzherald.co.nz
June 5, 2025 at 10:08 PM
Ray Chung, taking the stage to the Rocky theme tune, has launched his Wellington mayoral campaign.
Among the crowd was philanthropist Sir Mark Dunajtschick, disgraced former National MP Aaron Gilmore, and fellow mayoral candidates Graham Bloxham and Rob Goulden.
www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/ray-chung...
Among the crowd was philanthropist Sir Mark Dunajtschick, disgraced former National MP Aaron Gilmore, and fellow mayoral candidates Graham Bloxham and Rob Goulden.
www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/ray-chung...
Andrew Little is pledging a cap on bus and train fares for Wellington commuters, limiting costs to eight trips weekly.
www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/wellingto...
www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/wellingto...
Wellington Mayoral candidate Andrew Little unveils key public transport policy
Little says it would save commuters hundreds of dollars every year.
www.nzherald.co.nz
June 3, 2025 at 11:20 PM
Andrew Little is pledging a cap on bus and train fares for Wellington commuters, limiting costs to eight trips weekly.
www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/wellingto...
www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/wellingto...
I’m thrilled to share that today I’ve officially joined the NZ Herald as a journalist in the Wellington newsroom. I’ve absolutely loved the past year and a half at Newstalk ZB and am stoked to take on a new opportunity to share stories from the capital.
May 26, 2025 at 7:18 AM
I’m thrilled to share that today I’ve officially joined the NZ Herald as a journalist in the Wellington newsroom. I’ve absolutely loved the past year and a half at Newstalk ZB and am stoked to take on a new opportunity to share stories from the capital.
Wellington mayoral candidate Graham Bloxham arrested for failing to stop for police
www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/wellingto...
www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/wellingto...
Wellington mayoral candidate arrested for failing to stop for police
Graham Bloxham has described the incident as an 'absolutely crazy experience'.
www.nzherald.co.nz
May 4, 2025 at 10:40 PM
Wellington mayoral candidate Graham Bloxham arrested for failing to stop for police
www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/wellingto...
www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/wellingto...
Ray Chung says Mayor Tory Whanau's "full of sh*t" following criticism he skipped a council meeting for ‘fancy lunch’ with donors.
www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/wellingto...
www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/wellingto...
Mayoral hopeful criticised for skipping meeting for 'fancy lunch' with donors
The councillor says the mayor is 'full of s***' for her criticisms.
www.nzherald.co.nz
April 15, 2025 at 10:42 PM
Ray Chung says Mayor Tory Whanau's "full of sh*t" following criticism he skipped a council meeting for ‘fancy lunch’ with donors.
www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/wellingto...
www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/wellingto...
Wellington mayoral polling: Full Curia numbers released, Ray Chung ahead of Tory Whanau
www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/wellingto...
www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/wellingto...
Previously withheld polling reveals who Wellingtonians are backing for mayor
Tory Whanau says the poll isn't her focus.
www.nzherald.co.nz
April 15, 2025 at 4:19 AM
Wellington mayoral polling: Full Curia numbers released, Ray Chung ahead of Tory Whanau
www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/wellingto...
www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/wellingto...