Winton cancer advocate Blair Vining, who successfully campaigned for better cancer care in New Zealand, has died.

The announcement was made this afternoon on the 39-year-old's Facebook page.

A statement from his family said his wife Melissa and two daughters Della-May and Lilly would "miss him immensely."

"They are exceptionally proud that the man they will continue to love forever left the world a better place. To people up and down the country, Blair Vining was an extraordinary man: turning his own tragedy into a battle to ensure better cancer care for all New Zealanders.

"But to those who knew him, Blair Vining is extraordinary for different reasons. He was a loving father, husband, dedicated coach and loyal mate, The South Islands biggest chiefs supporter, Midlands most capped player & youngest life member. He remained courageous and positive despite staggering odds"

Mr Vining was diagnosed with terminal bowel cancer in October last year and was given months to live. After he was diagnosed he created a bucket list of items he set out to achieve.

Mr Vining is carried off the field after a charity match earlier this year. PHOTO: Ashleigh Reid

Since creating the list, Mr Vining successfully advocated for the Government to introduce an independent national cancer agency in New Zealand, which was announced last month by Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern.

The post on Facebook spoke highly about Mr Vining's passion for advocating for the agency.

"When his cancer was diagnosed, Blair was told he had mere weeks to live. Because of chronic under-resourcing in his region, he was unlikely to see a specialist before the cancer took his life. It became his personal mission to see reform to the way cancer is treated throughout New Zealand.

"He and his wife Melissa worked tirelessly to make access to cancer care more equal for all Kiwis, presenting a petition of more than 140,000 signatures to set up a national cancer agency to Parliament."

He also introduced the Blair Vining Sports Foundation to help support athletes at Central Southland College and give them the same opportunities as presented to students outside of regional centres across the country.

A charity rugby in January game helped launch the foundation. It was attended by nearly 4000 people and raised more than $100,000.

Another game was played in Queenstown featuring politicians and local identities several months later, with the foundation now selling a range of products to help raise more funds.

His most recent fight has been for the launch of a community charity hospital service in Southland, which has so far received wide support in the region.

"The fact Blair managed to tick off so many ‘bucket list’ items while fighting an aggressive form of bowel cancer is testament to his grit and desire to live life to the fullest, while it remained within his grasp," the Facebook post said.

A givealittle page has been setup to help support Mr Vining's family, with close to $20,000 already donated.

A public memorial service is expected to be announced in the future, the Facebook post said.