OPINION Wellington Mayor Tory Whanau has been in need of a win after the embarrassing collapse of her controversial Reading Cinema deal, and it seems she may have found one with a new high-flying advisory group. The mayor’s new team of leaders from the retail, hospitality, tech, property development and creative sectors will advise her directly as the capital undergoes major redevelopment - and reels from public sector cuts and the rising cost of living. It’s a group that includes proven experience from the likes of Willis Bond’s Mark McGuinness and Primeproperty’s Eyal Aharoni, alongside fresher faces like Yu Mei handbag designer Jessie Wong and Brooke Roberts from online investment platform Sharesies.
Whanau has said it’s important to her “that our local businesses have an active role in shaping and delivering the transformation of our city”. For a hand-picked team of business advisers, the mayor’s done well. But even more important than her selection choices is the fact she’s realised she needs to be working closer with those on the frontline.
Those who have chosen and still choose Wellington to make a living. Those who call the capital home. Last month Whanau suffered an embarrassing blow when Wellington City Council officials decided to finally end negotiations with Reading International over a controversial deal to reopen the closed cinema complex on Courtenay Place.
The council had planned to buy the land underneath the cinema for $32 million, money w.
