It is with great sadness that Whakatāne District Council acknowledges the passing of Tā Wira Gardiner (Ngāti Awa, Ngāti Pikiao, Whakatōhea and Te Whānau-ā-Apanui).

There will be many tributes to this extraordinary man and his remarkable achievements as a soldier, historian, senior Public Servant, author and educationalist.

As an organisation, we take particular inspiration in his shining example of how a true public servant can be a fearsome leader and change maker.

To those in our District to whom he was whanaunga and friend, we express our deepest condolences.

Steph O'Sullivan
Chief Executive
Whakatāne District Council