Former MP Brian Donnelly passes away

ROSS GIBLIN/Dominion Post

ILL HEALTH: Brian Donnelly seen this month when he received a Companion of the Queen's Service Order honour.

NZ FIRST MP: Brian Donnelly in a publicity shot from 2002.

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Former NZ First MP Brian Donnelly died this afternoon, Winston Peters told Parliament this afternoon.

The NZ First leader said Mr Donnelly, who was forced to quit his post as high commissioner to the Cook Islands because of ill health, passed away at 2.20pm.

Mr Donnelly was a NZ First MP for nine years and a minister in the 1996-98 coalition with National before he was given the Rarotonga post in February.

His appointment by Foreign Affairs Minister and NZ First leader Winston Peters was controversial, but defended on the grounds of his ties to the Cooks.

Mr Donnelly had not publicly confirmed the nature of his illness.

"His illness was a terrible blow and it hit me very hard," said Mr Peters earlier this month at a ceremony at Government House when Mr Donnelly was made a Companion of the Queen's Service Order.

Mr Peters paid tribute to his former colleague, saying Mr Donnelly was a man of enormous integrity and character, a superb member of caucus and a loyal Member of Parliament.

"I'm certain I can say that across the divide of politics he had friends everywhere," Mr Peters said.

Mr Donnelly was born in Auckland in November 1949. He won a scholarship to Sacred Heart College and studied at Auckland and Massey universities.

He gained a bachelor of education degree, and went on to work in the education field for the next 25 years.

Mr Donnelly taught in primary, secondary and intermediate schools. At one point in his career he was deputy principal of a college in Rarotonga.

He was a keen sportsman and represented Auckland, Northland, New Zealand Universities and the New Zealand Colts in rugby league. He was a trialist for the national rugby league side.

Mr Donnelly entered politics in 1996, standing for New Zealand First in Whangarei and coming close to winning the seat.

He entered Parliament as a list MP and was appointed deputy minister of education in the National/New Zealand First coalition government.

Mr Donnelly is survived by his wife Linda and their three children.

- with NZPA