KEY POINTS:
Greg Urwin, the Pacific Islands Forum's former secretary-general, has died in Samoa. He was 62.
Mr Urwin, an Australian, had been ill for eight months, suffering cancer and heart problems, and died in Apia on Saturday night.
Acting forum secretary-general Feleti Teo said the Pacific had lost a leader with the Pacific at heart.
"He was a very humble person and very sensitive to many cultures that make up the membership of the Pacific Islands Forum family," Mr Teo said.
During his time as the secretary-general, Mr Urwin was at the forefront of the implementation of the Pacific Plan - aimed at greater co-operation and regional solutions between Pacific countries.
He also advocated the needs of the smaller island states within the forum and started a process for recognition of non-Government organisations.
His poor health forced him to stand down in May.
Prime Minister Helen Clark said Mr Urwin worked tirelessly for the Pacific during his career.
"The South Pacific was where Greg made his home. His enthusiasm and love of our region was very evident in the way he went about his work."
Foreign Minister Winston Peters said Mr Urwin was greatly respected throughout the region.
Mr Urwin's appointment as secretary-general in February 2004 initially caused concern, with some of the 16 member states saying they would prefer someone of Pacific descent, but he asked to be judged on his actions.
He was reappointed after the first three-year term in October 2006.
Arrangements are under way for a memorial service to be held in Suva, where Mr Urwin and wife Penny lived until recently. The funeral will be held later in the week in Apia.
- NZPA
