Dick Tayler has had to withdraw from the annual Tauranga Gala Dinner, as he recovers from his recent heart attack suffered in Rotorua in June.

Dick was to MC the gala evening alongside Andrew Mehrtens, Scotty Stevenson and John McBeth at the ASB Arena on September 29.

Heath Ingham from Events Innovated, which produces the event, says it is with mixed emotions that the announcement is made.

'It's a bit of both, because we obviously think incredibly highly of Dick Tayler and would love him to be here, but of course we also want him to fully recover and get better. His health is the priority.”

Dick Tayler collapsed near to Rotorua on June 18, after following the Lions Tour with friends. Two doctors stopped to help, and he was taken to Rotorua Hospital for treatment. He is currently back in Christchurch Hospital where he is recovering.

Dick won the Gold Medal in the 1974 Commonwealth Games 10,000 metres. He is also regarded as one of New Zealand's top speakers, with Events Innovated saying at the event's announcement they were thrilled that he had jumped on board.

Events Innovated say now is not the time to discuss any replacements for Dick in the lineup, as the main priority is to wish him all the best in his recovery.

Any further guest speaker announcements will be made at a later date.