Tributes are flowing for Māori leader, veteran and decorated public servant Sir Wira Gardiner.
Sir Wira died on Thursday at the age of 78.
Having served 20 years in the Army, Sir Wira was then a founding director of the Waitangi Tribunal, and the first Chief Executive of the Ministry of Māori Development.
Sir Wira's most recent appointment was acting CEO at Oranga Tamariki. He had been awarded a Knight of the New Zealand Order of Merit for his services to Māori.
Māori Authority Chair Matthew Tukaki says it's hard to overstate the loss.
"A large and significant totara tree in the forest of our people has fallen. A loving husband, father, grandfather and friend. This evening I am deeply saddened by the loss of my friend and mentor, Sir Wira Gardiner. There are so many moving parts to a person's life that are often very hard summing up at their end; especially when a towering figure of such esteem has walked among us," Tukaki said.
He said Sir Wira was more than a soldier or leader to him, he was an agent of change, a servant of the people and someone who made a real difference.
"Just over a year ago, when I was appointed as the Chairman of Oranga Tamariki (the Ministry for Children), Wira came in as the acting Chief Executive. Like so often before Wira was given the task of righting a ship that had so badly gone of course.
"Over that time we worked together day in and day out on a Kaupapa close to both of our hearts but for me it was the opportunity to see the legend in action; of navigating complex situations, the use of diplomacy, a mind as sharp as wit could have all combined with the beating heart of a man centred in aroha and the Kaupapa.
"If it is one thing I learnt from my mate it was that when you combine aroha and Kaupapa you will never be let down."
Tukaki said it was a privilege to work with Sir Wira and he will forever be grateful for his friendship.
"For me; my very personal relationship with a man taller than the sky is one of the privileges of my work and I will be forever grateful for the lessons I have learnt from not just a mentor, but a friend.
"To the whanau and those who loved Wira my aroha and thoughts are with you – but if I was to say this; no doubt statements will be made over the coming days of the man that Wira was – can I suggest to you that those stories will be great and many; but I now prefer to cast my eyes to the future about the legacy he has so clearly left and how that ongoing legacy will continue to shape the world in which we live.
"Okioki i runga i te rangimarie e taku e aroha nei. Rest in peace my friend."
Ōpōtiki District Councillor Louis Rapihana also paid tribute to Sir Wira.
"With deep gratitude for a fulfilling life of service and contribution, we announce the passing of Sir Wira Gardiner, Lt Col (Retd), at home with his family in Gisborne.
"In accordance with his express wish that public health be prioritised, and the demands on frontline workers be recognised, there will be no tangihanga for Wira at the marae.
"We thank the people in the public health system in Waikato, Tauranga, Whakatane and Gisborne for their care and support these past 8 months, with a special thanks to the team at the Kathleen Kilgour Centre, Whakatane and Tairawhiti Hospice, Dr Rachel Thomson and the team of anahera at Te Kaha Health Clinic. We understood the severe pressures on all those we relied upon for their expertise and support, yet experienced the best that was available."
Rapihana described Sir Wira as a loving husband, generous father and appreciated friend.
"Wira was the much-loved husband and partner to Hekia, a loving and generous father to Jeremy and Amy, Ainsley, James, Rakaitemania and Shannon, Mihimaraea, and an unconditionally proud Koro of Toroa, May, Arai, Freddie, Mary, Paeumu, Amohaere, and Kingston, a good-humoured brother and brother-in-law, a loyal and appreciative friend and colleague. Dedicated to the nation of Aotearoa New Zealand and faithful to the Maori people ahakoa he aha.
"At some time in the future, when our country is restored to ordinary life, we will gather to mark Wira’s passing, acknowledge his contribution, and celebrate a good life well lived."
Green Party co-leader Marama Davidson said she was shocked by his death.
"Aue shocked to hear this mihi kau ana ki te whānau whānui, haere atu rā Wira," Davidson tweeted.
Outgoing National MP Simon Bridges said Sira Wira's death is "incredibly sad".
"He was a fine man and a great leader. I just think of Hekia and his wider whanau. They are in our thoughts at this time."
Labour MP David Parker said his death is a "big loss".
"A former military man, a leader within Māoridom, huge service to the National Party itself but also to public service. A big loss. My thoughts go out to Hekia and family as well."
