Environmentalist Sir Rob Fenwick dies at age 68

Environmentalist and businessman Sir Rob Fenwick died on Wednesday after battling cancer for five years. He was 68 years old.

The Aotearoa Circle, a company Fenwick co-founded last year, confirmed his death in a statement.

He died at his home.

Before he died, Fenwick explained that his cancer - or his "dance partner" as he referred to it - would end his life before he was ready.

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"Time is running out for me, and it is with profound sadness that I consider that time is running out, too, for our precious environment," Fenwick had said.

Vicky Robertson, co-founder of The Aotearoa Circle, secretary for the Environment and chief executive of the Ministry for the Environment, said his legacy needed to be more action for the environment.

“Over the past five years he has stood with me – and many others – in shared responsibility for long-term investment in our natural resources. Sir Rob’s legacy needs to be more action and more urgency as we continue his work to secure a New Zealand we are proud to leave for future generations.”

WWF released a statement saying the organisation was devastated by his death. 

"He was a staunch advocate for our environment and the forefather of the Predator-Free movement. But most importantly, he was kind, caring, and generous to all those around him," the statement read. 

Chief executive Livia Esterhazy said just a few weeks ago Fenwick was "enthusiastic", despite his illness, when she visited him at his home to talk about his life and legacy. 

"The light shone brightly in his eyes while we spoke about our environment and native birds. 

"He laughed as he told us about the neighbourhood competition to catch rats and how people once thought the idea of being 'predator-free' was crazy.

"Sir Rob will, forever, be an inspiration to us all."

In 2016 he was a New Zealander of the Year finalist alongside Richie McCaw and Louise Nicholas. He was touted as being one of the country's foremost statesmen for sustainability and the environment. 

In the same year he was made a Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for his services to business and conservation, and inducted into the New Zealand Business Hall of Fame.