Porirua Deputy Mayor Kylie Wihapi dies

The deputy mayor of Porirua, Kylie Wihapi, has died.

In a statement, mayor Anita Baker said she was numb with shock and disbelief at the sudden loss.

"She was such a vibrant, outgoing and generous person, full of life, warmth and a deep love for all of Porirua," she said.

Baker said Wihapi had died on Saturday morning as the result of a fall.

"There will be more to say about Kylie's extraordinary contribution in the days ahead. 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.

Baker said Wihapi had made history as Porirua's first elected Māori ward councillor.

"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.

"Kylie was Porirua through and through. She loved this city, believed in its people and worked tirelessly to make it a better place. We will miss her terribly."

Te Pāti Māori co-leader Debbie Ngarewa-Packer said she was "so very sad to hear of Kylie's passing."

"She was so passionate about Porirua, every conversation with her was of huge pride for the whole community.

"My deep condolences to her whānau... Moe mai rā e te taonga."