Friends and colleagues of former Prime Minister Mike Moore have spoken of his long list of accolades.

Moore --who was elected to Parliament at 23-- passed away at home overnight at the age of 71, following years of poor health.

During his time Moore served as NZ Prime Minister, World Trade Organisation Director General and New Zealand's Ambassador to USA.

Former Labour Party president Mike Williams told Andrew Dickens he was a clever man.

"He had incredible energy, and he had the ability to bounce back, and that was a real benefit for the Labour Party.

"When the Lange government fell apart, Mike picked up the pieces, and he did a good job."

Meanwhile, Jacinda Ardern is among several politicians mourning his death.

She says Moore never lost his interest and passion for politics, because he saw it as such an important vehicle for change.

Deputy Prime Minister, Winston Peters, has also acknowledged his commitment to the country and says he'll remember Moore as 'one of the great New Zealanders.'

Finally Helen Clark has also paid tribute to her former colleague...tweeting "Mike was a passionate New Zealander and spent his life serving New Zealand and its values"

• Former NZ PM Mike Moore dies aged 71