Tributes are flowing for former All Black Norm Hewitt — who died overnight surrounded by his family.
In a statement, New Zealand Rugby (NZR) said it was mourning the loss of Hewitt.
NZR chief executive Mark Robinson acknowledged Hewitt's contribution to all levels of the game.
"I played against Norm as a young player, and he was uncompromising on the field but always gracious with his time off it. He was a regular on the sidelines of club rugby, passionate about the provincial game and a proud All Black and Māori All Black."
Former teammate and NZ Māori Rugby board member Arran Pene said Hewitt was "passionate" both on and off the field.
"He loved his whānau, his rugby and the rugby community. Māori rugby mourns his loss, and our aroha is extended to the whānau. Moe mai rā e te tuakana."
In a statement to X, the All Blacks said they were "saddened" by the loss of Hewitt, 55, who was All Black number 938.
"Hewitt played 9 Tests and 14 games between 1993 and 1998," the statement read.
"Our thoughts are with Norm’s family and loved ones at this time."
Former teammate Ofisa Tonu'u said he was devastated by the news.
"I will never forget how you always stuck up for me during the Black Tracker days when no one else would, you always look after all the players and we always followed you into battle.
"No more pain, brother, you can now rest in Love. Fa’afetai tele lava my uso for having my back as I did yours. I know the other boys will be welcoming you with open arms at the gates.. Rest in Love, Normy.”
The haka at Old Trafford in 1997 has gone down in rugby history. (Source: TVNZ)
New Zealand Rugby said Hewitt would be "remembered for being dynamic and uncompromising on the field, and gracious with his time off of it".
As well as his contribution to the All Blacks, it acknowledged the time he spent with the Māori All Blacks.
Wellington Rugby said Hewitt played more than 60 games for the Hurricanes and 31 for the Lions, which he captained between 1999 and 2001.
"Norm leaves behind a large legacy."
He also played 92 times for Hawke's Bay — the Magpies said they were "deeply saddened" by the death of their former captain.
'One of the best times of my life' - dance partner recalls Dancing with the Stars
Carol-Ann Hickmore told 1News her time on Dancing with the Stars partnered with Hewitt was "one of the best times of my life".
The pair won the first series of the show and were particularly remembered for a personalised paso doble which integrated elements of the haka.
"Right from the minute I met Norm, right through the competition, we were such great friends," Hickmore said.
"He was fun to work with… he absolutely loved Dancing with the Stars."
Initially when she was first paired with him, Hickmore thought of him as a "hard man".
"How am I going to teach someone like that to dance?" she said she remembered thinking.
"When I met him, his kindness..he was just such a comfortable person to get to know."
Hickmore said Hewitt's appearance on the show "changed people's perceptions of him quite a bit".
"People did say to me 'we never would have thought someone like Norm Hewitt would be able to do something like this, or would even want to do something like this.'"
'A mighty totara has fallen' — Motor Neurone Disease NZ
Several charities and not-for-profit organisations paid tribute to Hewitt.
Motor Neurone Disease NZ said a "mighty totara has fallen".
"We are deeply saddened that Norm Hewitt’s journey with MND has come to an end," it wrote on Facebook.
"Our thoughts are with his whānau, friends, and all those in the wider community who were touched by the great Norm Hewitt."
SPCA chief executive Todd Westwood said the organisation was "deeply saddened by the passing of Norm Hewitt".
"Norm's legacy, promoting kindness and respect towards animals, including the love he shared with his family and pets, will be remembered.
"As will his influence, which extended beyond the rugby field, significantly impacting New Zealand culture by promoting empathy and compassion."
"We met Norm when he was part of our Rugby Fundraiser in 2010, playing in the Whanganui team against the parliamentary team and then being a guest speaker at the fundraising dinner. Our thoughts go out to his family at this time."
Hewitt overcame issues with alcohol to become a spokesperson and mentor, becoming involved in violence prevention and with the SPCA.
Mental health advocate Mike King also joined in expressing his sadness.
"He turned his life around and gave back to so many young ones. Rest easy big fella."
Porirua Mayor Anita Baker called Hewitt a "giant tōtara here in Porirua and across the motu".
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