Porirua deputy mayor Kylie Wihapi dies, mayor shares ‘disbelief’ and heartbreak
Porirua Deputy Mayor Kylie Wihapi has died following a fatal fall at her home, leaving the local council and community in shock. Her death marks the second loss of a councillor for the region this year, prompting an outpouring of grief from civic leaders.
Why it matters
The sudden loss of a high-ranking local official impacts municipal governance and community morale in the Porirua region.
Porirua deputy mayor Kylie Wihapi is being remembered as a leader who was passionate about her community.
Porirua’s Deputy Mayor Kylie Wihapi has died unexpectedly in a freak fall, with the city’s mayor announcing her death in “disbelief and shock”.
“I am numb with shock and disbelief at the sudden loss of Deputy Mayor, Kylie Wihapi. She was such a vibrant, outgoing and generous person, full of life, warmth and a deep love for all of Porirua,” said Mayor Anita Baker.
“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.”
Baker told the Herald the 45-year-old suffered a fatal fall in a freak accident at home early on Saturday morning.
Also covering this story
One other newsroom covered this event. We read that version too.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in