Two more candidates quit under-fire Independent Together
Thursday, 17 July 2025
Candidates Andrea Compton and Dan Milward have quit Ray Chung-aligned Wellington political group Independent Together, after a torrid run of negative headlines.
The duo each issued late-night statements on Thursday saying the were going it alone, reducing the group to six candidates after having launched with 13.
Another candidate, Lily Brown, quit on Wednesday citing her dislike of the “tactics or political approach” of the group’s financial backer, Better Wellington.
It is a further blow for IT and Better Wellington, which have endured a run of bad publicity since Brown herself admitted sharing misleading information about mayoral candidate Andrew Little at public meeting, before the revelation of a dossier commissioned by people linked to the campaign attacking Labour candidates.
A horror week peaked with an early-2023 email from Chung to council colleagues, which contained lewd allegations about mayor Tory Whanau, being released to media and Chung claiming he was the victim of a “dirty politics” campaign.
Then, on Tuesday, Chung’s final Zero Rates Increase roadshow was shut down by hecklers.
Compton said she would continue her campaign as an independent candidate for the Northern/Takapu ward.
Her statement did not address any of the recent controversies.
Compton said she was committed to running a “positive, forward-focused campaign”.
“This election is about listening, offering practical solutions, and having the courage to stand by what you believe in. I bring to the table a strong background in finance and infrastructure — skills I believe are vital to rebuilding trust, improving decision-making, and strengthening governance at Council. That is the contribution I want to make.”
She continued to “respect and support many of the values and individuals within the Independent Together group”.
Milward said he was stepping away to run his own “grassroots campaign” for a Pukehīnau-Lambton Ward seat, but did cite the fracas at the Zero Rates Increase roadshow event this week as a factor.
“Like many others, I was surprised by the recent allegations and the subsequent media coverage storm. Finally, when my wife was threatened by the agitators at our final roadshow event in Wellington CBD on Tuesday night, I knew it was time to take a different approach.”
Alistair Boyce, the spokesperson for Chung’s campaign backer Better Wellington, did not respond to requests for comment earlier on Thursday, but was interviewed on The Platform.
He said was concerned about the impact negative publicity was having on Chung and the team of Independent Together candidates Better Wellington.
“Ray is now a very divisive figure in Wellington. You either love him or you hate him,” he told host Sean Plunket.
“We’ve got a lot of ground work to do, which we will do, and Ray is brilliant at it.”
Independent Together candidates were contacted on Thursday to ask if they still aligned with the banner. Only three responded.
Ken Ah Kuoi said nothing had changed with his involvement. “The email has been dealt with, Ray has apologised, so let’s move on.”
Stuart Wong said he was 100% behind the group. Compton, prior to her statement release, said she had no comment.