Steve Fitzgerald Tribute

One of New Zealand's most senior police officers has been killed while cycling home from work.

New Zealand police are mourning the loss of Superintendent Steve Fitzgerald.

He was hit by a truck near Wellington while cycling home last night.

Mr Fitzgerald was the national commander of police communication centres.

Acting Police Commissioner Lyn Provost says the 57-year-old was also the head of road safety for five years.

"He worked tirelessly to reduce the road toll and injury crashes in New Zealand," she said.

Mr Fitzgerald once said his proudest achievement as the top traffic officer was helping to change the national attitude to drink driving.