The prominent Maori leader Sir Wira Gardiner has died at the age of 78.
He had been ill for a while, and stepped down as interim chief executive of Oranga Tamariki last year.
Of Ngati Awa, Te Whakatohea, Whanau-a-Apanui and Ngati Pikiao descent, Sir Wira held numerous leadership roles during his long career, and his contribution to iwi settlements was extensive.
In 2009 he was made a Knight of the New Zealand Order of Merit for his contribution and services to Maori.
