Porirua Deputy Mayor Kylie Wihapi, the city’s first Māori ward councillor, has died suddenly.

“I am numb with shock and disbelief,” Porirua Mayor Anita Baker said.

“She was such a vibrant, outgoing and generous person, full of life, warmth and a deep love for all of Porirua.”

“I have lost a trusted adviser and friend, and her fellow councillors have lost a much-loved colleague.”

Her thoughts were with Wihapi’s husband Adam, son Cooper, stepson Atama, parents Marlene and Rob, and her brothers and wider family, Baker said.

“My heart breaks for them.”

Born and raised in Porirua, Wihapi worked in advertising and marketing before entering local politics.

She was first elected to Porirua City Council in 2016 as an Eastern Ward councillor.

In 2022 she won the newly created Parirua Māori Ward seat, and Baker appointed her deputy mayor, succeeding Izzy Ford.

At the time, Baker described her as “hard working, effective and collaborative”.

Wihapi chaired the council’s District Licensing Committee and represented Porirua on regional transport, water and leadership forums.

She held her seat at last year’s local election by just nine votes. A recount requested by her closest rival, Jess Te Huia, confirmed the result at 934 votes to 925.

At the same election, about two thirds of Porirua voters chose to keep the Māori ward.

Baker reappointed her deputy mayor for a second term in November last year, citing her teamwork, work ethic, leadership and contribution.

“Kylie was Porirua through and through. She loved this city, believed in its people and worked tirelessly to make it a better place,” Baker said.

Baker said there would be more to say about Wihapi’s contribution in the days ahead.

“We will miss her terribly.”