Māori journalist Anzac Pikia has passed away at the age of 35.
He died in Rotorua this morning after attending the opening of an art gallery last night. Mr Pikia was a highly respected broadcaster who hailed from Waikato.
He worked at Māori Television as a senior reporter and producer for Te Kāea from 2004 to 2008. He later moved on to TVNZ as a senior reporter and producer for Te Karere.
His body will be taken to lie in state at Parawera Marae tomorrow.