Porirua Deputy Mayor Kylie Wihapi died suddenly on Saturday morning following a fall, leaving her community, family, and council colleagues in a state of profound shock and disbelief.
Mayor Anita Baker described herself as numb following the tragedy, remembering Wihapi as a vibrant, outgoing, and generous presence who possessed a deep love for the city. Wihapi had served on the Porirua City Council since 2016. In 2022, she became the city’s first elected Māori ward councillor, a milestone before she was appointed deputy mayor that same year and reappointed following the 2025 local elections.
A Life Rooted Deeply in Porirua
Beyond her formal duties in the council chambers, Wihapi maintained an exhaustive schedule of community involvement that touched nearly every corner of local life. Wellington City Council deputy mayor Ben McNulty recalled her as an incredibly warm and welcoming person, while Pāuatahanui general ward councillor Ross Leggett noted that she was a true child of Porirua who gave endlessly to the city.
Porirua Deputy Mayor Kylie Wihapi dies suddenly. Read more below. https://t.co/9VEEUxPGLF
Labour MP Barbara Edmonds paid tribute to her as one of the region’s most amazing local wahine, highlighting her omnipresence across the community. Whether refereeing netball matches, hosting her annual Pink Breakfast for the Breast Cancer Foundation, coordinating a Christmas pet food drive, coaching teams, or supporting her son Cooper on the rugby sidelines, Wihapi brought relentless energy to everything she undertook.
Extending Condolences Across the Region
Mayor Baker directed her immediate thoughts toward Wihapi’s family, extending deepest sympathies to her husband Adam, son Cooper, step-son Arama, parents Marlene and Rob, her brothers, and her wider family. Te Pāti Māori co-leader Debbie Ngarewa-Packer also shared her grief, offering condolences and bidding a traditional farewell to a cherished community leader.
As the city begins to process the sudden loss of a trusted adviser, friend, and tireless advocate, council members and local leaders have emphasized that formal tributes detailing her extraordinary contributions will follow in the days ahead.
