Napier Mayor Bill Dalton is in a critical condition at Hawke's Bay Hospital after suffering a stroke on Tuesday night.
Napier City Council said in a statement its "heartfelt thoughts and very best wishes are with our Mayor, his wife Shirley and his family at this time".
Dalton's family said in a statement they expect his condition to become clearer in the coming days.
"We would like to thank everyone for their kind wishes and support at this very difficult time. However we ask for privacy, and do not wish to make any further comment at this time."
Deputy Mayor Faye White will assume the role of acting mayor.
Dalton, who was elected Mayor of Napier in 2013, promised his second term would also be his final and was elected unopposed in 2017.
He said during the election he was looking forward to easing up and enjoying life and his grandchildren once he retired from the position.
Dalton is a former stockbroker and has served as a councillor since 2007.
Newshub.
