Tributes are flowing for former Maori Affairs Minister and Labour MP Koro Wetere, who has died aged 83.

Mr Wetere held the portfolio from 1984 to 1990 and played a key role in Te Reo Maori being recognised as an official language.

He was also involved in the resolution of the Maori fisheries settlement and was made a CBE in 1996 for his services to Maori.

Mr Wetere died in hospital in Te Kuiti this morning.

The Prime Minister has passed on her respects from Auckland City Hospital through a spokesman.

Former Prime Minister Helen Clark took to Twitter to say Mr Wetere was a much-valued colleague for many years.