NSW Greens MP John Kaye, described as a man of "enormous principle, energy and commitment", has died after being diagnosed with cancer.

Fellow Greens MP David Shoebridge described Dr Kaye, who was 60, as a "tireless champion of public education, leading the national debate on education funding and [having an] unflagging commitment to TAFE and public schools".

Mr Shoebridge said Dr Kaye died after being diagnosed with an aggressive cancer in February.

"He died peacefully in his home surrounded by friends and family," he said.

In a statement at the time, the Greens said the diagnosis had resulted in the need for therapy and treatment, including a hip replacement.

The Greens said Dr Kaye's treatment meant he would be unavailable for his parliamentary duties until the end of March.

Dr Kaye was elected to the NSW Upper House in March 2007 and his portfolios included education, energy, consumer affairs, water, racing and gaming.

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Mr Shoebridge said Dr Kaye was a dear friend to his colleagues.

"Our thoughts today are with John's partner Lynne, his sister and brothers Dina, Andrew and Stephen and their families," he said.

Mr Shoebridge said he had spoken to Dr Kaye's family and his partner of 30 years.

"He had a lot of love in his last moments and we all just miss him greatly," he said.

The Upper House is expected to be adjourned today as a mark of respect for Dr Kaye.

A private service will be held this week at Waverley Cemetery. Details of a public celebration of Dr Kaye's life will be announced shortly.

Before entering Parliament, Dr Kaye taught and researched electrical engineering at the University of NSW where he specialised in sustainable energy and greenhouse gas issues.

'A lifelong commitment to public endeavour'

NSW Premier Mike Baird said he was deeply saddened to learn of the death of Dr Kaye.

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"He was a formidable advocate of the causes in which he believed," Mr Baird said.

"Despite our political differences I regarded him as a friend.

"My thoughts today are with Lynne and his family."

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NSW Opposition Leader Luke Foley said he admired Dr Kaye as a politician and as a person.

"John Kaye was one of the state's most formidable and effective politicians," he said.

"In my time in the Upper House I collaborated with John Kaye on numerous issues, I battled him on a few others but at all times I found him to warm, direct, honest and smart. I will miss him."

NSW Transport Minister Andrew Constance said the Greens MP was not only a great politician, but he was a lovely man.

"He was incredibly passionate in this regard, passionate about vocational education and training, passionate about conservation and you know he will be incredibly missed by not only his own political party but also the Parliament," he said.

Tributes for Dr Kaye have started pouring in on Twitter with former NSW premier Barry O'Farrell writing that despite their many political battles he always enjoyed their chats.

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Dr Kaye's 'intelligence and integrity a guiding light' for many

Mr Shoebridge said public school and TAFE colleges in the state were stronger, better resourced and more prominent in the national debate due to the work of Dr Kaye.

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Earlier this year Dr Kaye criticised the State Government's policies, which he said had cause a decline in TAFE enrolments with some courses now 10 times the original price.

Mr Shoebridge said Dr Kaye would be remembered for his hard work on issues that he was passionate about.

"John Kaye's intelligence and his integrity was pretty much a guiding light for the party and I think for many people," he said.

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"This is an enormous loss not just for myself personally — he's the most principled colleague I've ever had the privilege of working with — but also for the party and the people of NSW."

The director of the Total Environment Centre, Jeff Angel, is also among those remembering Dr Kaye.

He said the MP understood the economics of environmental sustainability.

"He was quite unique in bringing that perspective," Mr Angel said.

"He particularly worked on climate change renewable energy, water conservation, these are not just green issues, they're actually fundamental economic drivers of a sustainable economy.

"Greens often get accused of being economically irresponsible ... but you have to engage with the economic argument in order to help win that push for environmental sustainability."