Popular New Zealand television presenter Nigel Latta has died aged 58 following a brave battle with cancer.

The much-loved clinical psychologist, author and broadcaster passed away surrounded by loved ones at a hospice on Tuesday, a year after doctors told him that he had months to live due to an inoperable and incurable tumour in his stomach.

His family confirmed the sad news by sharing a heartbreaking tribute on his Facebook page on Wednesday.

He died two months shy of his second wedding anniversary with wife Natalie Flynn.

‘Farewell my great love. You were never dying, just living until the moment you weren’t. You fought cancer with enormous bravery. You’ve spent your life helping others in need. And now it’s your turn to rest,’ she wrote.

‘Nigel passed away with the same dignity and positivity that he carried through life.’

Latta leaves behind his wife Natalie, his daughter Rina and son Kieran from his first marriage, and three stepchildren.

Described as New Zealand’s best-known psychologist, Latta was the face of many television programs, including popular crime series Beyond the Darklands.

Popular  NZ television host Nigel Latta lost his 12-month battle with terminal stomach cancer

Nigel Latta died two months shy of his second wedding anniversary with wife Natalie

He also hosted a number parenting and science programs and most recently, TVNZ show You’ve Been Scammed.

Latta’s last Facebook post in July was to promote the new Parentland app he developed with his wife, who’s also a psychologist.

He also wrote a number of books. The most recent title Lessons on Living was launched by publisher HarperCollins on Tuesday – the day of Latta’s death.

Just six months ago, Latta revealed on social media that he was in remission and was expected to live for ‘years and years’. 

Those hopes were dashed last Wednesday when he was told by his oncologist that his body couldn’t take any more treatment.

‘He arrived at the appointment optimistic, but pivoted to accepting the news immediately,’ friend Bridgette Tapsell told the New Zealand Herald.

‘He was so brave. The whole way through his battle with cancer, he made it easy for everybody. He told Natalie, ‘I’ve had the most wonderful life, I’m happy and I’m at peace’.

‘He left Natalie a love letter – in it he asked her to promise to find joy.’ 

Nigel Latta (left) hosted many television programs, including TVNZ’s What Next

His death sparked an outpouring of tributes led by New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon.

‘Like so many Kiwis, Amanda and I read his books on parenting when our kids were younger,’ he said.

‘He had a remarkable ability to connect with people through his writing and broadcasting with empathy, humour, and insight.

‘Our thoughts are with his family and all who knew and loved him.’

The Gut Cancer Foundation added: ‘Spending any time with Nigel you were struck by positivity and enthusiasm for life, none of which were diminished by his diagnosis. 

‘Nigel’s approach to his illness was inspirational. 

‘He spoke passionately about resilience and remaining positive in spite of the challenges he faced, and remained incredibly generous with his time and energy, supporting GCF and others even while going through treatment.’