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Wreaths are being laid in memory of Sir Colin Meads in his hometown Te Kuiti, where he died this morning in the local hospital aged 81 after a battle with pancreatic cancer.

Flowers are being placed by mourners at the Meads Brothers Exhibition, which honours both Sir Colin and his brother Stan, aged 79. 

Sir Colin's family have said they are grateful for the care and support they received since he was diagnosed with cancer. 

In a statement, his family said they "will miss him terribly" and his youngest daughter Shelley Mitchell said her dad lived a full life, loved being an All Black, and loved his family dearly.

The family also thanked the nursing staff at Te Kuiti Hospital for their superb care, and expressed their gratitude to friends for their love and care, as well as those around the country offering their best wishes.

Tributes have been flowing in all day for the rugby legend, with one of the first coming from Labour leader Jacinda Ardern.

"RIP Sir Colin Meads. #legend," she tweeted. Ardern has since also paid tribute at the Labour Party campaign launch at Auckland's Town Hall, where she said he will be remembered as an "absolute legend."

.@NZRugby releases a statement on the passing of Sir Colin Meads. #RIPPinetree pic.twitter.com/1g7KT6cBUB

— Radio Sport (@radiosportnz) August 20, 2017

Prime Minister Bill English said it was a sad day for New Zealand rugby and for New Zealand.

In a Facebook post, Mr English said "I have had the privilege of getting to know Sir Colin. He was not only a great All Black but also a genuinely good New Zealand bloke.

"He represented what it means to be a New Zealander. He was no-nonsense, reliable, hardworking, warm and very generous with his time.

Rest in love Sir pine tree
Great AllBlack, Greater man🙌🏻 pic.twitter.com/htuHybznMg

— Monty Betham (@MontyBetham13) August 20, 2017

"I remember when I was younger hearing stories about how he used to shear sheep all day and go running at night. I thought I'd give it a go. I quickly learned the Meads legend was built on physical and mental toughness.

"My thoughts are with Sir Colin's wife Lady Verna, and his family and friends at this time."

LISTEN ABOVE TO TONY VEITCH TALKING TO BRYAN BG WILLIAMS

Broadcaster Scotty Stevenson said Meads was a "true giant of a man" and television host James McOnie said Meads was "a great man".

Other politicians have also shared tributes on social media.

"RIP Sir Colin Meads, the archetypal All Black against whom the rest are measured," said Health Minister Jonathan Coleman.

"A great Kiwi."

Finance Minister Steven Joyce tweeted: "A true colossus of his era. RIP Colin Meads."

MP Judith Collins said: "Deepest sympathy for the Meads family and especially Lady Verna.

"A humble, mighty man. A legend. RIP."

New Zealand First leader Winston Peters issued a statement after hearing the sad news.

He said Meads "was, and still is, one of New Zealand's rugby greats - but so much more".

"He wore his celebrity on a sound and sensible set of shoulders," he said.

"He was a quintessential unassuming New Zealander - one of those we feel especially proud of as a nation.

"Colin Meads emerged as a rugby talent in an era of amateurism, and did not experience playing in the professional game as it is today. He gave so much of his time to the sport, and we are grateful to him.

"He was such a great inspiration to so many young Kiwis, on the field and off.

"We will miss him."

He said "New Zealand First send condolences to Lady Meads and their family.

REMEMBERING SIR COLIN

Sir Colin Meads played 55 tests for the All Blacks in an international career that spanned from 1957 to 1971, rembered by many as one of the greatest All Blacks. 

Reports reached Tony Veitch this afternoon that the rugby legend passed away in the early hours of Sunday morning.

A bronze statue of Sir Colin was unveiled in Te Kuiti in June. His loss will be mourned throughout the rugby-playing world.

Meads was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer last year and he took a typically combative attitude towards it, vowing to "beat the bastard".

In 133 matches for the All Blacks between 1957 and 1971, the former King Country lock played 55 tests and became recognised throughout the world as the face of New Zealand rugby.

Although he began his international career as a flanker, it was as a lock that he played most of his rugby.

In 1973 Meads captained a President's 15 to victory over the All Blacks before retiring after a record 361 first-class matches. He continued to play for his Waitete club until 1975.

He turned to administration and coaching at provincial level, and selected and coached North Island teams before being promoted to the national selection panel in 1986.

The latter appointment was brief because Meads decided to join the rebel Cavaliers tour of South Africa as coach. He was axed from the panel and for a time was persona non grata to the New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU).

In time he was forgiven and in 1992 was elected on to the NZRU council and managed the All Blacks teams of 1994 and 1995.

He fell victim to an administrative revamp of the council in 1996 as professionalism pushed aside many links with the past.

There was no debate in late 1999 when New Zealand Rugby Monthly magazine named him the New Zealand Player of the Century and in the 2001 New Year's Honours list he was made a New Zealand Companion of Merit.

In June this year Meads helped unveil a 2.7m statue of himself in his hometown, Te Kuiti. In a speech, former All Blacks captain Brian Lochore said: "What he has done for Te Kuiti is amazing ... but what he has done for New Zealand is unsurpassable."

Sir Colin is survived by his wife Verna and their children Karen, Kelvin, Rhonda, Glynn and Shelley. They have 14 grandchildren and seven great grandchildren.

Rest in peace 'pine tree' - Sir Colin Meads. You will be missed. pic.twitter.com/uskiGZAZGS

— Steve (@stevemcmillan5) August 20, 2017