Moore's later years were plagued by health issues. He had a stroke in 2015, while serving as New Zealand's ambassador in Washington DC.

Yvonne said Mike spent most of his final months in the Far North where he grew up - but returned to Auckland recently because of his ailing health.



She said he was stubborn and optimistic but generous.

"Mike was a passionate believer in the power of government to advance people through the collective provision of health and education and how that was the ladder up for ordinary working men and women and their families."

Finance Minister Grant Robertson said on Twitter that Moore always showed kindness and offered support.