Lieutenant-Colonel Sir Harawira "Wira" Tiri Gardiner, KNZM[1] (born 1945) is a former professional soldier, senior public servant and writer. He is of Maori descent, his tribal affiliations are Ngati Awa, Ngati Pikiao, Whakatohea and Te Whanau-a-Apanui. For twenty years Gardiner served in the New Zealand Army as a professional soldier. He saw active service in South Vietnam. He retired from the Army in 1983 at the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.[1]

Haka explores the unique Maori tradition from its origins in the mists of time and looks at its place in legend and in the early Maori world. It discusses various haka types, origins and importance of "Ka mate!", and how this special haka has been used in war and sport. This book also explains the new All Black haka "Kapa o Pango".