Wira Gardiner Cause Of Death, Who Is Wira Gardiner’s Wife Hekia Parata?

Lieutenant-Colonel Sir Harawira “Wira” Tiri Gardiner KNZM was a New Zealand soldier, public servant and writer.

Wira Gardiner was Māori, of Ngāti Awa, Ngāti Pikiao, Whakatōhea and Te Whānau-ā-Apanui descent.

Wira Gardiner’s public service career spanned 12 years from 1983 to 1995. During that time he was founding director of the Waitangi Tribunal, the founding (and only) General Manager of the Iwi Transition Agency and the founding chief executive of the Ministry of Māori Development (Te Puni Kokiri).

Wira Gardiner has also been National Director of Civil Defence, Chair of Te Mangai Paho, and deputy chairman of Te Ohu Kaimoana, the trust responsible for advancing the interests of iwi in the development of fisheries.

Wira Gardiner was Chair of the Tertiary Education Commission from May 2010 to July 2012 and he was appointed Chair of the Board of the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa in November 2010.

In 2009, following the restoration of titular honours by the New Zealand government, Wira Gardiner accepted redesignation as a Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit.

Wira Gardiner died on 17 March 2022, aged 78, after a lengthy illness, leaving behind his wife and kids.

Wira Gardiner is married to Hekia Parata.

Hekia Parata is a former member of parliament.