Wellington Coroner Ian Smith has died, chief coroner Judge Neil MacLean said today.
The chief coroner said it was with great sadness that he learned Mr Smith had passed away this morning.
"Ian was a warm-hearted, articulate and generous man. He was highly respected among his fellow coroners and passionate about the role of the coroner.
"At this sad time, as chief coroner, I extend my deepest sympathies to Ian's family, friends and colleagues. We will miss him."
Mr Smith had a background in civil engineering, before he began working in a private legal practice and in 1989 he became a Disputes Tribunal Referee.