All Black great Sir Colin Meads has died aged 81 following a battle with pancreatic cancer.

Prime Minister Bill English has acknowledged the rugby legend's passing as ‘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.

"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."

NZ First leader Winston Peters says Colin 'wore his celebrity on a sound and sensible set of shoulders'.

'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.

'Colin Meads was legendary and it is fitting that Te Kuiti has a marvellous statute of him.

'New Zealand First sends our condolences to Lady Meads and their family.”