Radio New Zealand - Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa

Academic, author and commentator, Professor Ron Crocombe, has died aged 79.

Professor Crocombe founded and headed the Institute of Pacific Studies unit at the University of the South Pacific for 20 years, before retiring to the Cook Islands.

Just last week he was inducted as a fellow of the Atenisi University in Tonga. He studied at Otahuhu College and Auckland University.

Professor Crocombe suffered a heart attack in New Zealand on Friday. He is survived by his wife, four children, 14 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

A service is to be held for Professor Crocombe at the Pacific Islands Christian Church in Newton in Auckland on Sunday.