New Zealand musician Margaret Urlich has passed away at the age of 57

One of New Zealand's best-known and most beloved musicians, Margaret Urlich, has passed away. She was 57.

According to a spokesperson, Urlich died quietly yesterday at her home in New South Wales', surrounded by her family, after a two-and-a-half-year struggle with cancer.

"It is with incredible sadness that we inform you that Margaret Urlich passed away peacefully on August 22 2022 at her home in the Southern Highlands of NSW, surrounded by her family after a courageous two-and-a-half-year battle with cancer," a family statement said.

"Margaret is a much-loved multi award-winning member of the Australian and New Zealand music industry who captured hearts around the world as a gifted singer/songwriter with a unique voice and sense of style.

"We thank you for respecting the privacy of her family and loved ones at this sad time."

Urlich - who was a multi-award-winning musician in New Zealand and Australia - began her career as a co-lead vocalist with the New Zealand new wave band Peking Man, whose 1985 song 'Room That Echoes' climbed to number one on the NZ charts.

She subsequently joined the all-girl group When The Cat's Away in 1986, which won Best Group at the Aotearoa Music Awards and had another number one hit with a rendition of 'Melting Pot' in 1988.

After launching a solo career, she was responsible for hits such as 'Escaping' and 'Boy in the Moon' in the late 1980s and early 1990s.

She was diagnosed with cancer two years ago and had been living with her partner in New South Wales.