EDITORIAL:

I start the programme this morning with incredibly sad news that last night, New Zealand lost one of its true greats. 

Sir Sam Neill has died. 

Now, I'm not going to spend the next hour listing every film he made or every award he won, because, quite frankly, we already know what Sir Sam Neill achieved.  

We know the remarkable career he built. We know the incredible body of work he leaves behind.  

From Sleeping Dogs to The Piano, from Jurassic Park to Hunt for the Wilderpeople, and so many memorable performances in between, he became one of the most recognisable Kiwi faces worldwide. 

He didn't just represent New Zealand. He represented us with dignity, humour, intelligence and class. I’m so proud to think he was the person representing us on the world stage. 

Only a few months ago he was talking about beating cancer again.  

His family said he died suddenly, surrounded by those he loved, peacefully and with the dignity that defined his life. There's some comfort in that, even though the loss feels enormous. 

I've never actually met Sir Sam. 

The closest I ever came was years ago.  

There were always rumours he owned a house at the end of the street where I lived.  

One day I happened to see him standing quietly at the top of his driveway, waiting for a taxi. That was it. 

No conversation. No introduction. Just one of those little moments you remember. 

I'll remember exactly where I was when I heard he'd died.  

I was sitting in the car at the traffic lights outside Rutherford & Bond. Funny how news like this freezes a moment in time forever. 

Some people leave an impression on your life even if you never met them. 

Sir Sam Neill was one of those people. 

He was an extraordinary actor, a proud New Zealander, a storyteller, an internationally acclaimed winemaker, an advocate for the places and people he loved, and by all accounts, a genuinely decent human  

This morning isn't just about remembering a brilliant actor. 

It's about remembering one of us, one of our own, who became a true, true international icon. 

Sir Sam Neill. 

Rest in peace. 

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