Murray Ball, the creator of iconic Kiwi comic Footrot Flats, has died aged 78.
A close friend of his, cartoonist Tom Scott, told Newshub Ball had been sick for some time before his death on Sunday.
In his early years Ball worked for various newspapers and magazines, both in New Zealand and overseas.
Footrot Flats, featuring Dog the sheepdog and owner Wal Footrot, became a hit after its inception in 1976.
The series included newspaper strips, a feature films and books, which sold millions of copies.
Ball became an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2002 for his services as a cartoonist.
Tributes flowing online have remembered Ball and Footrot Flats as a key part of a Kiwi childhood.
He's survived by wife Pam and their children.
Newshub.
