Sports journalist and broadcaster Phil Gifford dies aged 79

Prominent sports journalist, broadcaster, and author Phil Gifford has died in Auckland on Tuesday night at the age of 79. He is survived by his wife, Jan, and children Emmalene, Jane, Scott, and Adam.

Gifford had a career in journalism spanning more than 50 years. He began his career with a cadetship at the New Zealand Herald in 1965 and was a regular contributor to the Herald since 2019.

A prolific author, Gifford published more than 26 books. His works included seven books featuring the satirical rugby character Loosehead Len, which he created in 1973, as well as biographies of figures such as Dame Valerie Adams, Sir Peter Leitch, and Sir Wayne Smith.

In the 2024 New Year Honours, Gifford was appointed an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to broadcasting and sports journalism. He also received the Sport New Zealand lifetime achievement award in 2010.

How it developed

• Thu 1 Oct, 2:02pmSir Wayne Smith shared that Gifford had been relentless in persuading him to write a book together.
• Thu 1 Oct, 2:43pmBroadcasting partner Simon Barnett stated that Gifford's last words to him were, "I’m at peace mate, I’ve lived a life that few can even dream of".

Where reports differ

• One report states he had been unwell for several years and had beaten cancer twice.

Compiled from reports by NZ Herald, Stuff, 1News, RNZ, The Post and The Press.