"RIP Sir Colin Meads. #legend," she tweeted.
Prime Minister Bill English said it was a sad day for New Zealand rugby and for New Zealand.
"I have had the privilege of getting to know Sir Colin. He was not only a great All Black but also a genuinely good New Zealand bloke.
Listen: A tribute to Sir Colin Meads
"He represented what it means to be a New Zealander. He was no-nonsense, reliable, hardworking, warm and very generous with his time.
"I remember when I was younger hearing stories about how he used to shear sheep all day and go running at night. I thought I'd give it a go. I quickly learned the Meads legend was built on physical and mental toughness.
"My thoughts are with Sir Colin's wife Lady Verna, and his family and friends at this time."
Broadcaster Scotty Stevenson said Meads was a "true giant of a man".
Television host James McOnie said Meads was "a great man".
Other politicians shared tributes on social media.
"RIP Sir Colin Meads, the archetypal All Black against whom the rest are measured," said Health Minister Jonathan Coleman.
"A great Kiwi."
Finance Minister Steven Joyce tweeted: "A true colossus of his era. RIP Colin Meads."
MP Judith Collins said: "Deepest sympathy for the Meads family and especially Lady Verna.
"A humble, mighty man. A legend. RIP."
New Zealand First leader Winston Peters issued a statement after hearing the sad news.
He said Meads "was, and still is, one of New Zealand's rugby greats - but so much more".
"He wore his celebrity on a sound and sensible set of shoulders," he said.
"He was a quintessential unassuming New Zealander - one of those we feel especially proud of as a nation.
"Colin Meads emerged as a rugby talent in an era of amateurism, and did not experience playing in the professional game as it is today. He gave so much of his time to the sport, and we are grateful to him.
"He was such a great inspiration to so many young Kiwis, on the field and off.
"We will miss him."
He said "New Zealand First sent condolences to Lady Meads and their family.
Former PM Helen Clark, who is in Auckland for the Labour Party campaign launch, said: "Colin Meads is universally acknowledged as one of New Zealand's greatest-ever rugby players. He made his mark in an era long before the sport professionalised and before sports stars became on-screen personalities. Colin was known for his humble manner and for being the quintessential Kiwi bloke. We will not see his like again. My deepest sympathies go to Colin's wife and family at this very sad time."
Journalist Mike McRoberts shared a memory of the rugby great.
"Colin Meads gave me a rugby trophy when I was 16," he said.
"I can't remember what for but the memory of him giving up his time always stuck with me. RIP."
NZ Cricket Players Association chief executive Heath Mills and former Warriors star Monty Betham also weighed in.
"Very sad news to hear that Colin Meads has passed ... one of the greatest players and icon of his time #RIP" Mills Tweeted.
Champion boxer Joseph Parker has also tweeted about Meads' death, offering condolences to the family and community the former sportsman was loved by.
IHC chief executive Ralph Jones said the thoughts and best wishes of the association was with the Meads family.
"While Colin is best known for rugby, to us he is one of a small number of distinguished IHC New Zealand Life Members recognised for their significant support for people with intellectual disabilities," he said.
"Colin and Verna have always worked as a team in their dedication to IHC's cause and accordingly have made a huge difference to the lives of so many people with intellectual disabilities and their families."
Meads "never stopped looking for ways to make life better for people with intellectual disabilities.
"He was a man who was generous with his name and his fame, driven by a strong belief that people with intellectual disabilities deserved the best."
Meads "put his money where his mouth was", Jones said.
"Colin Meads made an extraordinary contribution to improve the lives of people with intellectual disabilities - one-on-one and on a large scale.
"Colin and Verna Meads have truly made a difference."
The Cancer Society have also come out in support of Meads and his family.
They tweeted about his death this afternoon, saying they were "saddened" to hear he had passed.
Taranaki-King Country MP Barbara Kuriger today said the country had lost a hard-working Kiwi loved by all in "Meadsville" and throughout New Zealand.
New Zealand rally driver and 2011 PWRC world champion Hayden Paddon acknowledged the passing of the legendary All Black ahead of competition today in WRC Rally Germany.
