Tributes are flowing for prominent leader and public servant Sir Wira Gardiner who died with his whānau by his side in Gisborne this week - he had been ill and was 78 years old.
Sir Wira Gardiner. Photo: Supplied
Sir Wira's career spans decades and was described as "Mr Fix It" with any major issue in Aotearoa over the past three decades it is highly likely he had a hand in solving it.
He held numerous leadership roles - he was the first director of the Waitangi Tribunal, the first chief executive of the Ministry of Māori Development, Te Puni Kōkiri, and also served as the national director of Civil Defence - the first Māori to hold the position.
Sir Wira served in the Vietnam War and retired as a lieutenant-colonel, the highest-ranking Māori officer at the time.
Tā Wira authored seven books: two on the history of the 28th Māori Battalion, two on the history and tradition of kapa haka, the Fiscal Envelope, a biography of the late former minister of Māori affairs, Parekura Horomia, and A Soldier's View of the Vietnam War.
In 2009, he was made a Knight of the New Zealand Order of Merit for his contribution and services to Māori.
In 2012, he was awarded an Honorary Doctorate in Māori Development in recognition of his outstanding contribution to Māori.
He was a member of the Establishment Committee of Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi in 1994 and is a foundation member of Te Mana Whakahaere o Awanuiārangi.
He received another honorary doctorate conferred by the University of Waikato in Whakatāne in November 2021.
In a statement, his family, paid tribute to their father, husband, grandfather, brother and uncle - who dedicated his life to his people.
"Dedicated to the nation of Aotearoa New Zealand and faithful to the Maori people ahakoa he aha."
A true public servant up until his death, as per his wish to ensure public health be prioritised, and the demands on frontline workers be recognised, he asked that there will be no tangihanga.
A memorial service is expected to be held at a later date.
Leith Comer served with Sir Wira in the army - he was his junior and describes him as his tuakana and a mentor.
He said he was direct and fearless, but also humble.
"One of the traits that I describe with him later in life, was his relentless energy, he could do more things before breakfast than most of us would do in a day interestingly, as a young officer he wasn't noted to get out with a pack on his back and running 10 miles.
"People will miss Wira's ability to make things happen, solve issues and implement policy. I think that is a trait few have but he had it in spades," Comer said.
He said he would never hold back in giving feedback.
"He was never afraid to give you a boot up the backside and be very direct if things weren't going well so a lot of people will say Wira Gardiner played a central role in his careers." he said.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said Sir Wira left behind a legacy that could not be measured.
"A tireless advocate for his people he has been a trusted and respected advisor to all shades of government for decades.
"Throughout his many roles it has always been clear that he has been there to improve the lives of others, and he did. His legacy has helped shape Aotearoa," Ardern said.
Minister for Māori Development Willie Jackson said: "Sir Wira used to tell a story about his high school teacher who told him at the age of 15 he should leave school and go work on the railway because that was the limit of his capacity.
"This man's capacity for service had no limit. He gave to his country as a soldier, to his people as a leader, to the public as a servant and to Māori as a trailblazer." Jackson said.
National Party leader Christopher Luxon also paid tribute saying he was dedicated to serving New Zealand and making it a better place for all.
"Part of his legacy will also be his recording of Māori history through the many books he authored.
"Not many people have or will ever make the kind of contribution to this country that Sir Wira did," Luxon said.
Oranga Tamariki - 'Mr Fix it'
His last public service role - at the end of a long list - was as acting chief executive of Oranga Tamariki.
Minister for Children Kelvin Davis worked closely with him and described him as Mr Fix it - who knew the mission and walked towards the fight.
"I love the man, he was everything I needed at that time in a chief executive, he was straight up, he was frank, told it as it was - it is because of Sir Wira that Oranga Tamariki is going through the transformation it is," Davis said.
Davis recalled soon in to the role he asked how Oranga Tamariki truly was going - his reply was to the point.
"Instead of a long-winded explanation he just said, 'well, minister your organisation is stuffed."
He said Sir Wira was the public servant model that everyone should be moulded from, he was exceptional.
A life of service
New Zealand Public Service Commissioner Peter Hughes said he was an outstanding public servant.
"It's difficult to know where to start to talk about Tā Wira. His life was filled with strong and meaningful relationships and countless accomplishments - and always, he was there to serve others."
Hughes said in his many years in the public service and time in the army, Tā Wira always left a mark.
"He influenced generations of public servants through his authenticity and steadfast commitment to serving the people of New Zealand. Many exceptional public servants are what they are because of Tā Wira's mentorship - the inspiration he gave to others will live on."
A whānau man
Alongside his many accolades, long list of leadership roles and his life of service - he was a whānau man.
He leaves behind his wife, former minister, Hekia Parata, his five children and eight grandchildren.
"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.
"In memoriam, koha can be made to St John, who do wonderful and vital work and whose services we called upon with great appreciation." the whānau said.
Hoea rā tō waka ki Hawaiki nui, Hawaiki roa, Hawaiki pāmaomao. E ter rangatira, moe mai rā.