Sir Harawira Tiri Gardiner KNZM[1] (4 September 1943 – 17 March 2022) was a New Zealand soldier, public servant, and writer.
[7] Gardiner was appointed acting chief executive of Oranga Tamariki in 2021 following the resignation of Gráinne Moss, in an attempt to restore confidence in the agency following the 2019 controversy over the uplifting of Māori babies from their families.
He also published a book in response to Jim Bolger's government's “fiscal envelope” cap on Treaty of Waitangi settlements, which would have limited compensation for all Māori claims to $1 billion.
[16][17] At his request, a tangihanga was not held at his marae, as he was concerned about the risk of any gathering in spreading COVID-19 and causing pressure on the public health system.
Matthew Tukaki said that Gardiner was "more than a soldier or leader to him, he was an agent of change, a servant of the people and someone who made a real difference.
"[19] In the 2008 Queen's Birthday Honours, Gardiner was appointed a Distinguished Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit, for services to Māori.