Greg Ansley and his siblings grew up in New Brighton, Christchurch, and he began surfing when he was aged about 6.
He spent his spare time riding surf boards and his Triumph Bonneville motorbike, his brother said.
Described by former Herald editor-in-chief Gavin Ellis as "an extraordinary asset to the Herald", Ansley covered some of the biggest stories of the past two decades from the front line - including the Port Arthur massacre of 1996, the Bali bombings of 2002, East Timor and about 20 years worth of Australian federal elections.
Ansley was not only an excellent political reporter but also someone who was able to cover major breaking stories, Mr Ellis said.
Ansley arrived in Canberra when Bob Hawke was Prime Minister from 1983 to 1991, and covered the Keating, Howard, Rudd, Gillard and the Abbott administrations.
His reporting from bush fires, mine disasters and the landslide tragedy at Thredbo, NSW, in 1997 was part of a memorable portfolio of work.
He also contributed for a number of years to NewstalkZB's drivetime programme with Larry Williams.
Herald journalist Colin Taylor first met Ansley about 45 years ago when they worked together at the Central Hawkes Bay Press in Waipukurau.
Calling his friend a "jack of all trades", he said the only thing Ansley didn't like covering was rugby, though his brother Bruce said he very much enjoyed watching the game.
Taylor said Ansley was still surfing up to a few weeks ago.
"He was fun and bubbly, he was hilarious, a character."
Herald editor-in-chief Tim Murphy said Ansley was a total professional - prolific, quick and motivated by the big story.
"He loved journalism, he loved the Herald and he loved Australia. We will miss him and his work greatly.
"Our newsroom is thinking of Suzy and the girls."
• View the Herald's Greg Ansley archive here.
