Tributes flow for Greg Boyed: 'People felt connected to him'

Friends, colleagues and politicians have paid tribute to the TVNZ journalist and presenter Greg Boyed who has died suddenly.

Boyed, 48, was on holiday with his family in Switzerland when he died on Monday.

He had been suffering from depression.

Corin Dann, his friend and fellow TVNZ journalist and presenter, said his shocked colleagues were "so sad and so gutted" and were thinking about Boyed's family.

"He was just a wonderful guy, just a lovely, lovely, kind, funny person and a fantastic person to work with," Dann said.

Boyed was a 'world-class' newsreader who made it all look so smooth and easy, said Dann, and the loss would be felt wider than those who knew him well.

Many of the viewer and listeners who had tuned in over his 25 year career would also feel they knew him.

"And that's why he was such a good broadcaster because he was warm and because people felt connected to him - and its a great loss," he said.

Boyed was also an accomplished musician - drums and guitar - and the pair played together in TVNZ bands.

He also worked with the charity Achilles which helps people with disabilities take part in running races.

Tributes from colleagues and politicians have been flowing on Twitter since the news broke this morning:

So saddened to hear of the passing of Greg Boyed. I’ll be one of many who will have sat opposite him over the years - such a thoughtful interviewer who was quick to share a laugh. My thoughts are with his family, friends and colleagues.

— Jacinda Ardern (@jacindaardern) August 22, 2018

Horrific news of Greg Boyed's death today. My thoughts are with his family.

— Rawdon Christie (@RawdonChristie) August 21, 2018

I’ve struggled to find the words for Greg Boyed, but he was a rare broadcaster who could do it all - ask, read, host, produce, script, studio, field... he was never phased, always a pro. He was also brilliant with my son.

— Tim Watkin (@Tim_Watkin) August 22, 2018

I’m going to go off Twitter for a while because, you know. But this is a picture taken the night before my wedding.

Greg, who was my groomsman, putting in a late bid for best man (and failing).

He was my mate and I’ll never hear a drum solo without thinking of him. pic.twitter.com/lK5m0JXaN3

— Eric Young (@RealEricYoung) August 22, 2018

Sending love to our colleages @1NewsNZ and @TVNZ . Many staff at RNZ have worked with Greg Boyed and we are all deeply sorry for your loss. Caitlin and the Afternoons team.

— Jesse Mulligan 1–4 (@JMulliganRNZ) August 21, 2018

Warm, smart, master of the witty topline and the even wittier one-liner. I can’t believe the news about Greg Boyed, he was a truly fantastic human.

— Kristin Hall (@kristinhallNZ) August 21, 2018

Days like these never make sense. We're devastated - Greg Boyed was one of the wittiest, funniest people I've ever worked with. Me and an old mate made an effort to catch up and have a drink the other day - gestures like that take on greater significance on days like today.

— Mark Crysell (@MarkCrysell) August 21, 2018

Greg Boyed.. the man with the witty banter and the perfect piece of advice about just how much is 'too much' for that Auckland property you wanted to buy (he drove a hard bargain, let me tell you). The TVNZ office will never be quite the same. Don't battle your demons alone.

— Abby Wilson (@abbywilsontvnz) August 21, 2018

I'm sitting here not sure what to do, I'm frozen in my seat. Greg Boyed was one of the funnest, most brilliant broadcasters to work with. He was talented + always had time to help out his colleagues. I'm so so gutted for his family + the many people who will be hurting today.

— Brodie Kane (@brodiekane) August 21, 2018

I’m absolutely lost for words, and so terribly saddened to hear about Greg Boyed. Such a kind, funny and wonderful friend and colleague, who was always there to light up my evenings back when I chipped away on the TVNZ news desk. A wonderful soul taken far too soon.

— Wilhelmina Shrimpton (@WilShrimpton) August 21, 2018

So sorry and shocked to hear the news of Greg Boyed. In all the years I’ve dealt with him, he was always a decent person, without malice and entirely professional. Dreadful to think of his and his family’s pain. #LifeLine

— Judith Collins (@JudithCollinsMP) August 21, 2018

So many people have said it much better, but please just all look after each other. Greg was always kind and funny and full of wisdom and there's too many broken hearts today.https://t.co/kEKqpGlNZG

— Katie Bradford (@katieabradford) August 21, 2018

I remember always taking a few seconds to catch up with Greg Boyed's quick wit. I remember rocking out at the TVNZ Christmas party to Greg and Corin Dann's band. I remember he wrote the best break teases. My heart goes out to his family, friends + all those hurting at TVNZ today.

— Nadine Higgins (@NewsNadine) August 22, 2018

The world is a lesser place without Greg Boyed in it. I always enjoyed his subversive humour and quick dry wit in the newsroom. One of the good guys gone too early. Thoughts are with his family and the crew at TVNZ.

— Will Hine (@MisterHine) August 22, 2018