Tributes have flooded in for veteran New Zealand journalist and broadcaster Bob McNeil, who has died aged 82.
Bob, who worked at TV3 as a reporter and presenter for 20 years, died on December 30 after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease.
When news of the award-winning journalist’s death broke, universities and viewers took to social media to offer their tributes.
Bob’s daughter, TVNZ reporter Sacha McNeil, took to Instagram to share a sweet post in honor of her late father.
Posting a couple of images of Bob, Sacha remembered his father as “brave” and “in good spirits.”
‘Words were always dad’s thing. Memories. Stories. Listen to others. But he would not have written what was to be the last part of his story of his own free will,” he wrote.
Tributes have flooded in for veteran New Zealand journalist and broadcaster Bob McNeil, who has died aged 82.
“And yet, after a long, brave but always good-humored battle with Alzheimer’s, the time came when he was ready.”
‘As the Beatles noted “…in the end, the love you receive is equal to the love you make.”‘
Sacha continued: “Dad will be very fond of him.”
‘Our kind, creative, funny, gentle and sparkling father is finally free and resting as he deserves. We will all miss you every day, Dad.
Sacha’s post was met with an outpouring of condolences from friends, followers and colleagues.
Bob’s colleague at TV3 (now known as Three), Samantha Hayes, remembered Bob as a “joy”.
“Bob was always a pleasure to be with in the newsroom,” he wrote.
‘His unique style of storytelling, full of empathy and humor. Sending you lots of love.’

Bob, who worked at TV3 as a reporter and presenter for 20 years, died on December 30 after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease. Pictured: Bob’s 2014 autobiography.
One follower summed up the sentiment of many, responding: “Beautiful words for a beautiful man. We send all our love to you and your family.”
1 News reporter Barbara Dreaver also remembered Bob as “an excellent journalist and a gentleman.”
Similarly, radio and television reporter Donna-Marie Lever said: ‘Very sad news. Always so charming on the pitch and a class act.’
Talking to him New Zealand HeraldSacha revealed why he thought Bob had such an impact on audiences.
“I think because people could relate to this guy from a small town in Taranaki who fought for the underdog and had a twinkle in his eye,” he told the publication.
‘He was genuine, he loved people and loved hearing their stories. His warmth was evident on television,” he said.
Bob was born in Wellington in 1942 and, after leaving school, began his journalism career at the Taranaki Daily News in New Plymouth.

Bob’s daughter Sacha McNeil (pictured), a TVNZ reporter, took to Instagram to share a sweet tribute to her late father.
He then obtained his teaching qualification and eventually worked as a teacher for seven years, including in the United Kingdom.
After returning to New Zealand with his wife Jeanette, Bob worked in radio for many years.
However, it was his work at TV3 for which he is most remembered, starting with the channel during its premiere in 1989 until his retirement in 2010.
Bob also published an autobiography, News Tales, in 2014.