Porirua Mayor Anita Baker has announced the sudden death of deputy mayor Kylie Wihapi.
"I am numb with shock and disbelief at the sudden loss of Deputy Mayor, Kylie Wihapi," Baker said in a statement issued on Saturday night. "She was such a vibrant, outgoing and generous person, full of life, warmth and a deep love for all of Porirua."
Baker told RNZ Wihapi died on Saturday morning as the result of a fall.
"There will be more to say about Kylie’s extraordinary contribution in the days ahead," she said "But right now, my thoughts and deepest sympathies are with her whānau, especially her husband Adam, son Cooper, step-son Arama, her mum and dad Marlene and Rob, her brothers and wider family. My heart breaks for them."
Wihapi (Ngāti Porou, Ngāti Tūwharetoa) joined the council in 2016 as the city’s first Māori ward councillor.
"As our Deputy Mayor and Porirua’s first elected Māori ward councillor, Kylie made history," Baker said. "She brought wisdom, courage, compassion and an unmistakable energy to everything she did. I have lost a trusted adviser and friend, and her fellow councillors have lost a much-loved colleague.
"Kylie was Porirua through and through. She loved this city, believed in its people and worked tirelessly to make it a better place.
"We will miss her terribly."
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