Mike Moore's being praised for the work he did getting New Zealand internationally recognised.

The long-time politician, and the country's 34th Prime Minister, died early this morning at his Auckland home, following years of ill health.

Finance Minister and Grant Robertson told the Weekend Collective Moore always looked outwards and upwards.

"To see the way that he so completely understood the importance of a fair trading system for a country like New Zealand. A small country, we need the rules in place."

As Director General of the World Trade Organisation, Moore oversaw China's entry into the rules-based trading system.

While serving as the New Zealand Ambassador to the United States in 2010 -- he played a significant role in the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade agreement.

Robertson says that he got out there on the world stage on New Zealand's behalf, and that he was "immensely proud" to be representing New Zealand.