UPDATED: 1.16PM The man behind some of New Zealand’s most successful television programmes has died.

TV producer Ross Jennings passed away on Friday night surrounded by his wife, six children and five grandchildren.

The 71-year-old had been sick on and off with cancer for the last few years but his health deteriorated recently.

Jennings created New Zealand’s first reality series Middlemore and Police 10-7.

Entertainer and friend Gray Bartlett said a highlight of his career was working with  Jennings on Pacific Entertainment, and the Billy Connolly Down Under series.

"He's just one of those guys you miss. You completely miss the optimism, that wonderful friendliness, his abilities and techniques. All the things that come from being a great TV producer.

"He was one of those great optimists in life. Just a wonderful man and produced great television. He did the ANZAC series which I had a hand with him in for Māori TV".

He's been Executive Producer of Māori Television's ANZAC Day coverage since 2009.

Jennings was in the middle of making a reality series about a day in the life of parliament, which is due to screen on Maori Television later this year.

He was born in Hawera, in 1944. His funeral will take place on Thursday.