“I’ve been with the family this evening. It’s a struggle for everybody, especially for her husband and her son and family. We’re just thinking about them.”
Baker said she and Wipahi had been friends for about 12 years. More about Wihapi’s contribution to the city would be shared in coming days.
“But right now, my thoughts and deepest sympathies are with her whānau, especially her husband Adam, son Cooper, step-son Arama, her mum and dad Marlene and Rob, her brothers and wider family. My heart breaks for them.”
Today’s shock death came just months after a fellow councillor Mike Duncan died suddenly in June after a daily workout.
Civic leaders, workmates and community groups from across the region tonight were united in disbelief at Wihapi’s shock death.
Wellington Deputy Mayor Ben McNulty said in an online post said her loss would be felt deeply across the community.
“I am devastated to hear the news of the tragic passing of Porirua Deputy Mayor, Kylie Wihapi and can’t imagine the hurt around the Porirua City Council table as they face the loss of a second valued colleague in a year.
“Kylie was an incredibly warm and welcoming person and deeply passionate about Porirua.”
Porirua City councillor and colleague Nathan Waddle said he was devastated to share the news of Wihapi’s death this evening.
“An incredible woman, and leader with in our city, also an incredible friend since my time joining the council whanau.
“Rest easy Cr Wihapi.”
Labour’s finance spokesperson Barbara Edmonds, MP for nearby suburb Kenepuru, described Wihapi as an “amazing local wahine”.
“Kylie was everywhere and anywhere. Whether it was on the netball court as a dedicated referee, hosting her annual Pink Breakfast to raise funds for the Breast Cancer Foundation, coordinating her annual Christmas pet food drive, filling in for the Mayor Anita Baker, coaching netball teams even though she didn’t have a daughter, or following her beloved son Cooper on the rugby field sidelines… her energy for life was just immeasurable.
“Thank you e hoa for all that you’ve done for us and for Porirua. Ia manuia lau malaga.” (Safe journey home).
Te Pāti Māori co-leader Debbie Ngarewa-Packer tonight extended her condolences to Wihapi’s whānau and thinking of everyone at the council.
“She was so passionate about Porirua, every conversation with her was of huge pride for the whole community.”
Chair of Greater Wellington, Daran Ponter, said: “So sorry to hear of Councillor Kylie Wihapi’s passing. Our thoughts are with her family, friends and Porirua Council whānau. Arohanui.”
Mayor of Lower Hutt, Fauono Ken Laban, said he was deeply saddened about the news of Wihapi’s passing and described her as an intelligent and passionate leader who had “so much more to give”.
“My heartfelt condolences to Kylie’s family, whānau, Mayor Anita Baker and the wider Porirua community during this difficult time.“
He finished his tribute with a Samoan proverb that translates as: “Blessed is the moon that leaves but always returns.”
Mana College paid tribute online, sending deepest condolences to Wihapi’s family and Porirua City Council.
“We were so privileged to be with her and have her present the PCC Cup for leadership at our recent Senior Prizegiving.
“Her positive energy and commitment to our kura and that of Porirua will always be remembered.”
Te Tai Hauāuru Labour candidate Te Pūoho Kātene described the death as “heartbreaking news”.
“We just sat next to each other at the Mana College Prizegiving.”
One Agency Select Realty said the firm was “absolutely gutted”.
Former Hutt City mayor Campbell Barry said he was truly lost for words, writing on Facebook: “Thinking of Kylie’s family and everyone in Porirua (and much wider) who will be so devastated by this.”
Wihapi was a part of their whānau and they had lost her far too soon.
“Some of you knew Kylie as Porirua’s deputy mayor. We were lucky enough to also know her as a colleague and a friend. She loved this city and its people; and you could feel it in everything she did. Her vibrant personality will be incredibly missed.“
Even the Porirua Fire Brigade sent a message of “arohanui” to Wihapi’s family.
Wihapi was confirmed as Porirua’s Māori Ward councillor in last year’s local body elections after a recount was launched by candidate Jess Te Huia.
The judicial recount found Wihapi to have won by nine votes.