Tributes are flowing from family, friends and former colleagues and competitors for meteorologist Augie Auer, who has died while on vacation in Australia.

The veteran meteorologist suffered a heart attack while dining with family members in Melbourne last night. He was on holiday with his wife and the dinner was a celebration of their 35th wedding anniversary and his 67th birthday.

His son Andy Auer says his father had had a few heart problems in the past, but his death is a total shock to the family. He is flying to Melbourne this afternoon to help with plans for the return of his father's body to New Zealand. Professor Auer's daughter-in-law Jo Auer says he was a brilliant, loving man who loved his family and career. She says funeral details will be advised at a later date, once Professor Auer's body is back in New Zealand.

Professor Auer emigrated to New Zealand in 1990 after 22-years at the University of Wyoming as Professor of Atmospheric Science. In New Zealand he became the chief meteorologist for MetService until 1998. He is attributed with improving and updating the technical competence of the MetService weather forecasting staff.

One News weather presenter Karen Olsen worked with Professor Auer at MetService and remembers his first day on the job. "He came around and he introduced himself to everyone. He had a big conversation with me, he asked about my family. And that really struck me." Ms Olsen says he was like a storm chaser in America, where he would go up in planes and fly into thunderstorms.

In 1998 Professor Auer became TV3's weekday weather presenter and the network's resident meteorologist in 2002. Former One News weather presenter Jim Hickey says Professor Auer could bridge the gap between science and the man in the street. He says Professor Auer made meteorology fun and was "just something very very special." Mr Hickey says he is devastated by the news.

Professor Auer recently became involved in the debate over global warming, helping to found the Climate Science Coalition, a group that questions claims humanity is responsible for rising temperatures. Coalition spokesman Owen McShane says news of his death comes as a terrible shock. He says Professor Auer was simply a good man and despite often being the subject of personal abuse for his stance on climate change, he never let it get to him. Coalition secretary Terry Dunleavy says Augie Auer was highly regarded by many, including his opponents. He says they feared his ability to connect with ordinary people.

Professor Augie Auer is survived by his wife, three children and five grandchildren.