Iconic Maori singer Bunny Walters dies

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Celebrated 1970s Maori singer Bunny Walters has died in Waikato Hospital. The 63-year-old died peacefully on Wednesday morning after a "short illness", Maori Television reports. He was surrounded by friends and family, including his children and partner, Anne. Walters released his first single Reach in 1969, and shot to fame with his hit Brandy two years later. He followed up his success with tracks Nearest Thing to Heaven, and Take the Money and Run, which reached #2 on the NZ charts. Born in the Bay of Plenty town of Katikati, Walters also acted, appearing in the 1978 feature film Skin Deep, and an episode of Shortland Street. According to Maori Television, Walters' body will be taken to Rereatukahia marae in Katikati Wednesday evening, where he will lay until Saturday. Details of his funeral are yet to be announced.

Iconic Maori singer Bunny Walters dies