A host of familiar names - and familiar voices - farewelled broadcaster and city councillor Neil Collins today.
His funeral at a packed Glenroy Auditorium was officiated by sports broadcaster John McBeth, and included tributes from Mayor Dave Cull, and broadcasters Owen Rooney and Jim Sullivan.
Performer Eddie Low sang and former Prime Minister Helen Clark was among those who sent messages.
Those that attended the funeral, which began at 11am, heard numerous stories of Mr Collins' escapades on the road in the entertainment industry, his "mischievous'' sense of humour and his flirtatious nature.
Mr Collins (77) died on November 17 after being diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia just three weeks before.
Although he retired from Radio Dunedin in 2015, Mr Collins continued to fill in when needed at the station, and was still on air last month.
He was remembered as a great communicator with "a wonderful gentle way'' who interviewed many of the major names in music including The Beatles and The Rolling Stones.
He was involved in 16 radiothons, eight telethons and two Miss New Zealand Shows, and presented television weather and news.
Mr Collins was awarded a Queen's Service Medal in 1990 for community services, and was made an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2009 for his services to broadcasting, local government and the community.
He was elected to the Dunedin City Council in 1989, and served as a councillor from 1989 to 1998 and from 2000 to his retirement from the council in 2013.
Former Dunedin mayor Peter Chin said Mr Collins was "a very positive person for Dunedin'', who promoted the city at every opportunity.
