pn876 Tā Harawira (Wira) Gardiner dies aged 78

 He was once the most senior Māori officer in the NZ army. He learned Te Reo at the age of 40.  Among his many roles in the public service he was the founding director of the Waitangi Tribunal and the founding chief executive of the Māori Development Ministry. 

Tā Wira was diagnozed with a brain tumour last year and died in his home in Tairāwhiti yesterday after battling a lengthy illness.  

He will be sorely missed across the political sprectum  and by Māori and non-Māori alike. His many contributions and leadership supported the development of Māori social, cultural and economic outcomes.  This is tonight's 1News item on his passing. 

Kua hinga he totara nui.