MPs have paid tribute to the former Governor-General, Sir Paul Reeves, who died on Sunday aged 78.
Before Question Time, the Prime Minister, John Key, moved that Parliament express its sympathy and condolences to the family of Sir Paul Reeves.
He described Sir Paul's life as a life spent "giving".
Mr Key said Sir Paul's contribution to New Zealand had been "simply enormous" and the country was a poorer place for his passing.
In his tribute in Parliament, Labour Party leader Phil Goff recalled Sir Paul being equally at home with people from all walks of life.
He said the former Governor-General had always expressed himself in a calm and measured way: "But underlying that was a real passion about the things he believed in. He wasn't afraid to take a stand on issues that were important to him."
A tangi for Sir Paul is underway in Auckland ahead of a state funeral to be held on Thursday.
