Sir Paul Holmes passed away today at the age of 62, surrounded by family in Hawke’s Bay.
The veteran broadcaster, news man, author, father, and husband led a career in front of the nation spanning more than 30 years – and for his efforts was granted a knighthood earlier this year.
In that time he’s pioneered causes like the Paralympics, the Erebus crash, and fighting meth addiction. He’s also seen his fair share of controversy, with his heated opinion of Waitangi Day, and his racist remarks towards then UN secretary general Kofi Annan.
While Sir Holmes will be best remembered for his contribution to current affairs, at StopPress we also fondly reminisce on the impact he had on New Zealand music, following the release of his charting covers album in 2000.
Tributes have already started flowing through for the man who inspired or infuriated so many New Zealanders, and here we share a few:
TVNZ – Sir Paul Holmes 1950 – 2013
TVNZ – The best of Sir Paul Holmes
NZ Herald – Sir Paul Holmes on his life in broadcasting
Newstalk ZB – Leighton Smith on Holmes
Stuff – Comments
TV3 – Remembering Sir Paul Holmes
The NBR – Tributes flow for Sir Paul Holmes
Gay NZ – HIV+ men pay tribute to Sir Paul Holmes
Tangata Whenua – Controversial broadcaster Paul Holmes dies