Former Shortland Street actor Pua Magasiva was found dead in Wellington this morning.

He was 38.

Police confirmed they were called to a sudden death at an address in the Wellington central business district in the early hours of this morning, New Zealand Herald reports. 

The actor rose to fame on Shortland Street where he played Nurse Vinnie Kruse-Miller from 1994 to last year and also starred in the Power Rangers television series, Sione's Wedding and Outrageous Fortune.

The New Zealand Herald said a South Pacific Pictures spokeswoman confirmed Magasiva's death but could not make any further comment.

His brother Robbie, also an actor, has flown to Wellington to be with other family members and Magasiva's widow Lizz Sadler, according to New Zealand Herald. 

Magasiva, who has a young daughter from his first marriage, married Sadler in April last year, 18 months after meeting on Instagram. Sadler also has a daughter from a previous relationship.

Magasiva and Sadler travelled to Bali last month to celebrate their first wedding anniversary.