Veteran cricket commentator Peter Sharp, 72, whose career spanned 45 years, died on Saturday.
Sharp started behind the microphone in 1966 after playing two seasons for Canterbury as an offspin bowler.
His broadcasting career included stints in television commentary, and as well as being involved in cricket coaching he served as a trustee of the Murray Halberg Trust and on the Assembly of Sport, the Hillary Commission, and the New Zealand Secondary Schools Sports Council.
He was awarded the Sutcliffe Medal for outstanding services to cricket in 2006.
Sharp was most recently part of the Radio Sport commentary team but ill health, following a cancer diagnosis, prevented him working this summer.
New Zealand Cricket (NZC) president Dennis Currie said Sharp's death was sad news, as he made an enormous contribution as a player, coach, administrator and broadcaster.
"He was a highly regarded administrator, being a former NZC board member, former president of Canterbury Cricket and as a selector for the province."
He also said Sharp was instrumental in the grassroots area of the game, establishing the modified game of Kiwi cricket.
His funeral will be held in Christchurch on Thursday.
NZN