Geoff Hayward has been appointed Porirua’s deputy mayor following the passing of Kylie Wihapi, as the city prepares to farewell her at Te Rauparaha Arena on Saturday.
Mayor Anita Baker announced the appointment at a council meeting on Thursday 5 November, saying it had the blessing of the Wihapi whānau.
Councillors stood for a minute’s silence before dealing with the changes needed to keep the council and its regional responsibilities running. Baker said the appointments were needed to maintain council representation on external bodies and keep its existing functions operating.
Hayward, who represents the Onepoto General Ward, told Local Democracy Reporting he was honoured to serve but felt the job should still be Wihapi’s.
“I can only think of myself as a custodian,” he said.
He described Wihapi as a friend, colleague and inspiration to the city, and said the community’s response to her death reflected that.
The change also brings a new chair to Te Puna Kōrero, the full-council committee overseeing the city’s major policy and strategic direction. Councillor Nathan Waddle has replaced Hayward as one of its two heamana, alongside Josh Trlin.
Hayward will join the Dog Control Hearings Subcommittee and become Porirua’s alternate member on the Wellington Region Emergency Management Committee, Wellington Regional Leadership Committee and Tiaki Wai Partners’ Joint Committee.
The council also appointed Saar Cohen-Ronen as commissioner of the Porirua District Licensing Committee, for a term ending on 30 June 2030.
As deputy mayor, Hayward retains his councillor responsibilities and steps into the mayor’s duties when the mayor is absent or incapacitated, or the office is vacant.
Wihapi, 45, died on Saturday 31 October. She was Porirua’s first elected Māori ward councillor and had served as deputy mayor for four years. Her community work extended to netball, animal welfare and the Paremata School Board of Trustees.
People wishing to pay their respects at Horouta Marae on Whitford Brown Avenue, Papakōwhai, can attend whakaeke for manuhiri at 9am, noon and 3pm on Friday 6 November. The evening service and poroporoaki are at 7pm.
Her funeral will be held at Te Rauparaha Arena at 9am on Saturday 7 November, with doors opening at 8am.
Condolence books are available at Pātaka Art + Museum on Parumoana Street and the council’s administration building in Cobham Court. They will be moved to the arena for the funeral.