Hastings coroner Chris Devenport has died in Hawke's Bay Hospital after an accident at his home.
Devenport, 64, died on Wednesday, a coronial media spokeswoman confirmed on Thursday morning.
Chief Coroner Judge Deborah Marshall paid tribute to the contribution and service of Devonport.
He was one of the first full time coroners, appointed when the Coroners Act 2006 came into force and had a passion for demistifying the coronial process.
Prior to that role, Coroner Devonport worked in private legal practice on the East Coast of the North Island for 30 years.