Former Porirua deputy mayor Kylie Wihapi dies aged 45 after fall

Kylie Wihapi, a former Porirua deputy mayor, has died suddenly at the age of 45. She died after a fall at her home on Saturday morning, according to RNZ.

Ms Wihapi served four years as Porirua's deputy mayor. She had been on Porirua City Council since 2016, and in 2022 she became the city's first elected Māori ward councillor, a seat won through the council's Māori ward.

Porirua mayor Anita Baker expressed disbelief and heartbreak at the death. Ms Wihapi's husband paid tribute to her, saying he had lost the love of his life. NZ Herald

Her family will keep her with them until Thursday morning. She will then be taken to Horouta Marae in Papakōwhai. Visitors can be welcomed onto the marae at 9am, 12pm and 3pm on Thursday and Friday. Evening services and poroporoaki, farewell speeches, are scheduled for 7pm on both days.

Her funeral is set for Saturday, 7 November, at Te Rauparaha Arena in Porirua. The service starts at 9am, with doors opening at 8am. NZ Herald

Porirua City Council has provided two books of condolence, from Tuesday. One is at Pātaka Art + Museum on Parumoana Street and the other is at the council administration building in Cobham Court.