Kiwi entertainer Tony Williams dies at 77

Kiwi entertainer Tony Williams has died (Newshub.)
Kiwi entertainer Tony Williams has died (Newshub.)

New Zealand entertainer and singer Tony Williams - also known as Toni Williams - has died at the age of 77, following a brief illness.

His family confirmed he died peacefully at Christchurch Hospital on Saturday.

Williams, a former member of the Howard Morrison Quartet, moved to Auckland from Rarotonga when he was 11.

He considers the start of his career to be when he spent 13 months recovering from a football-induced hip condition, and starved off boredom by playing the ukulele.

While still in school, Williams formed The Housewarmers, and later rock group The Tremellos.

Williams enjoyed a career that took him around the world, with success as a solo singer in addition to his group performances.

He was awarded an Order of Merit in 2010 for his services to entertainment.

"I'm very humbled by it," he said after receiving the award.

"It's quite an honour to be recognised for what you've done."

Williams is survived by his wife, Helen, and two children, Tamara and Justine.

Newshub.