Tory Whanau is bowing out of Wellington's mayoral race. 

The incumbent's confirmed she'll instead stand for the council's Māori ward seat to give former Labour Leader Andrew Little a clear run. 

She says Little will do a good job, and she hopes people see her withdrawal as a gracious move. 

Little's been critical of Whanau, calling rate increases under her leadership "simply not acceptable". 

He told Ryan Bridge Whanau advised him before announcing her decision. 

A key focus of both the residents and candidates is Wellington's high rates, and Little says he wants to slow the rise.

He says a 35% increase over the next three years is simply not acceptable. 

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