All Blacks Coach Steve Hansen called Sir Fred's death very sad news.
"Sir Fred's achievements as a player and coach were legendary. In his later years he was a great guy to talk footy with and still took a keen interest in how the team was going.
"The thoughts of everyone in the All Blacks family go to his family.''
Nephew Alex Carpenter said Sir Fred died peacefully at the Maygrove Retirement Village Hospital, where he had spoken at a memorial service on Anzac Day.
Mr Carpenter said his uncle, who was made a Knight Companion of the NZ Order of Merit in the Queen's Birthday honours in 2010 for services to rugby, had spent ``quality time'' with his family in the weeks leading up to his death.
During World War II, Sir Fred served as a lieutenant in 27 and 30 Battalions, settling in Auckland upon his return.
He played for Auckland and the All Blacks from 1946 to 1949, wearing the black jersey as captain in 21 games, including six tests.
But it is as an All Blacks coach that "The Needle'' will be most remembered, winning all 14 tests during his reign from 1966 to 1969.
Former All Blacks coach Sir Graham Henry said he had often discussed rugby with Sir Fred and enjoyed his passion for the game.
"It was influential when you were developing as a young coach and he was coaching the All Blacks,'' Sir Graham told One News.
