Kiwi singer Lorde has donated $5000 towards a funeral fund for The Edge radio personality Michael Kooge, who died on Thursday.
Kooge's mother confirmed he had died after years of battling brain cancer. His condition had rapidly deteriorated after being taken to a hospice last week.
"You have brought so much joy and laughter to so many, and it won’t be forgotten," Lorde, whose real name is Ella Yelich O'Connor, wrote on a Givealittle page for Kooge's funeral fund, which has already raised more than $28,500.
"I'm sending you all my love, and wishing you and your family a peaceful and loving time."
Originally diagnosed with stage three melanoma in 2012, Kooge was known as the voice of The Edge radio station and also worked at Newshub during his career.
"He was a brilliant broadcaster with a wicked sense of humour and will be greatly missed," MediaWorks radio director of content Leon Wratt said in an email to staff.
"Rest in peace Mike."
In a post shared on Instagram, More FM and former The Edge host Jay-Jay Feeney described Kooge as "kind, funny, and loyal".
"I'm glad I could see him on Saturday and tell him how much I love him."
The Givealittle page set up to raise funds for Kooge's funeral says he had "fought a good fight".
It comes after the death of his father John, who also died of cancer eight months ago.
"Dad is waiting for you in heaven with open arms," the Givealittle page says. "May God Bless you our darling, we will always love you."
