An icon of New Zealand radio, Ewing Stevens has died.

His daughter Jenny made the announcement on Facebook last night.

“It’s the end of the journey Dad. It’s been a wonderful one and in your own words “Í’ve had a great life”. You sure have Dad and I’m one grateful daughter.

You will be missed and you were truly loved by all the family.”

The Presbyterian minister turned radio announcer became interested in broadcasting, thanks to his father who fixed radios.

While serving as a minister of the Wakari Union Parish in 1972, he was invited to broadcast as a talkback host with 4XO for three one hour sessions a week in those pioneering days of current affairs talkback.

In 1972 Ewing was awarded the M.B.E. for his work with youth in Dunedin.

In 1977 he was transferred to Auckland to become Editor of the Methodist Church’s national weekly newspaper , the “New Citizen”.

At the same time, he broadcast one night a week on Radio I.

In 1979 he joined Radio Pacific as a talkback host at the foundation of that station, and for seven years Ewing hosted Radio Pacific’s midday consumer HELP-LINE show.

In 1989 became the station’s top rating night host, filling the wee small hours from Midnight to 6am.

Ewing also served as a Manukau City Councillor for twelve years, 1986-1998.

He was 97.