Little sympathy for Wellington's Mayor Tory Whanau over her financial woes

Whanau told Newstalk ZB she's sold her car and isn't spending money because of the cost of living crisis.

The Mayor's pay recently rose 3.7 percent - taking her salary to $189-thousand.

Meanwhile, rates for the average Wellington household have increased by 21 percent.

Asked whether she believes Wellingtonians will feel bad for Whanau... Finance Minister Nicola Willis says no.

She says anyone earning more than the average taxpayer, who is paying their wages, shouldn't complain about their financial circumstances.