Porirua Mourns Sudden Loss of Deputy Mayor Kylie Wihapi
Community and family honor the legacy of a dedicated leader following her fatal accident.
1Sudden Tragic Passing
Porirua Deputy Mayor Kylie Wihapi died at age 45 following a fatal fall at her home last Saturday morning. Emergency services were called to her residence around 8:30 a.m. at the request of police. Her sudden passing has left the local council and the wider community in deep shock.
2A Life of Service
Wihapi made history in 2022 as the first person elected to Porirua’s Māori ward. She served as deputy mayor for four years, consistently prioritizing community welfare over civic formality. Mayor Anita Baker noted that Wihapi often avoided wearing ceremonial chains, preferring to focus entirely on tangible results for local residents.
3Community-Driven Advocacy
Her political career began after she passionately challenged the council regarding the 2015 Transmission Gully construction project. Her advocacy for noise reduction and neighborhood safety impressed local leaders, prompting her successful run for council. She remained deeply entrenched in community issues, from supporting local schools to protecting the harbor.
4Champion for Animals
Wihapi was a fierce advocate for animal welfare, frequently collaborating with groups like HUHA to combat puppy farming. Her colleagues described her as a whirlwind of passion who believed owners must be held accountable. She often stated that in her home, the well-being of her animals came before everything else.
5Personal Empathy Roots
Her father, Rob, attributed her lifelong empathy to her childhood experiences protecting her brother, who was diagnosed with early infantile autism. She developed a protective nature against bullies and the ignorant at a young age. This early foundation shaped her commitment to supporting the underprivileged throughout her public life.
6Funeral and Tributes
A funeral service was held at Te Rauparaha Arena following a traditional tangihanga at Horouta Marae. Her coffin, topped with sunflowers, entered to the music of Metallica. Family members, including her husband Adam and son Cooper, remembered her as a one-in-a-million partner and a devoted, irreplaceable mother to their family.
7Council Transition Plan
Councillor Geoff Hayward has been appointed as the new deputy mayor. Mayor Baker confirmed this transition was pre-planned during discussions with Wihapi earlier this year. The council remains committed to continuing her unfinished projects, including pet food drives and community initiatives, honoring her belief that the play must go on.
8Lasting Civic Impact
Wihapi leaves behind a legacy defined by courage, wisdom, and an infectious, vibrant energy. Her ability to connect with individuals and champion whānau made her a formidable force in Porirua. The community now faces the challenge of filling the void left by a leader who truly made a difference.
Original article: 1News — Porirua Mourns Sudden Loss of Deputy Mayor Kylie Wihapi