The former Prime Minister of the Cook Islands, Sir Terepai Maoate, has died aged 77.
The Cook Islands government has confirmed he died last night in hospital, after being quite ill for most of this year.
It says there is great sadness at the passing of one of its former leaders and there will be a state funeral for Sir Terepai Maoate.
It says the timing of the funeral is yet to be decided, and the government is in discussions with his family about this.
A statement from the family is expected to be released some time over the next day.
