Listen Now: 
Kia ora Whanau,
On this page we will be posting tributes from across Te Ao Maori for Dame Tariana Turia.
“She was brave and courageous and stood her ground for her people. What she did in leaving Labour and a Ministerial position must never be forgotten because her sacrifice on behalf of the Māori nation” Hon Wille Jackson
“Takoto my Friend in a rest well earned. He mau mahara mutunga kore” Dame Naida Glavish.
“A woman of conviction and action. She absolutely believed whanau had the strength and power within themselves to determine and control their lives. She was Whanau Ora personified.” Merepeka Raukawa Tait, Chair of the Whanau Ora Commissioning Agency
“I loved her as a person. I admired her courage and steely determination as an MP and Minister. The best way Parliament can honour her memory by leaving the Marine and Coastal Act alone. The proposed amendments undermine the agreement reached in 2010″ Hon Chris Finlayson
“Tariana made history when she crossed the floor on the Foreshore and Seabed bill. And made history launching Te Pati Maori. And made history launching whanau ora. She was fierce and courageous and we so loved her for it. The Totara has fallen” Donna Awatere Huata
“Dame Tariana was a passionate determined champion for her people, for Maori. She stood up when others wouldn’t and will long be remembered.” Simon Bridges
“First and foremost My sincere condolences To the Turia whanau for the loss of a truly remarkable Maori Wahine Toa. I had the privilege of leading the foreshore and seabed hikoi in 2004 which led to the establishment of the Maori Party and Tariana as the Co- Leader. She was a trailblazer and pathfinder who bravely represented and championed the rights of Maori. Her leadership resilience and dedication was instrumental in bringing about positive legislative change in the form of Whanau ora. Tariana’s legacy serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of bicultural representation at the very seat of decision making.” Wallie Haumaha
“Dame Tariana was a strong advocate and passionate leader both within her community and the country serving for eighteen years in parliament.” Winston Peters
“Dame Tariana Turia made a significant contribution for Māori and to New Zealand as an MP, Minister and political leader. Among many things, she will be remembered for her work establishing Whānau Ora, and for always being guided strongly by her principles. ” Rt Hon Christopher Luxon
“a true leader, the very definition of a wahine toa”. She had a strong legacy of service before her parliamentary years, advocating for Māori health, working hard to pave the way for many.” Rt Hon Chris Hipkins
Dame Tariana Turia DNZM was a New Zealand politician who served in Parliament from 1996 to 2014. Born on 8 April 1944, she passed away in January 2025.Of Ngāti Apa, Ngā Rauru, and Tūwharetoa iwi, Dame Turia was married to George Turia (deceased) and had 4 children, 2 whāngai, 28 grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
Dame Tariana Turia (1944-2025) was a New Zealand politician who served in Parliament from 1996 to 2014. She left the Labour Party in 2004 due to the foreshore and seabed controversy and co-led the newly formed Māori Party.
In 2003, Turia opposed the Labour Party’s proposal to vest ownership of New Zealand’s foreshore and seabed in the state. As a result, she resigned from parliament and was re-elected in a by-election as a member of the Māori Party.
The Māori Party gained seats in the 2005 and 2008 general elections. In 2008, National formed a minority government with support from the Māori Party. Turia and co-leader Sharples were appointed Ministers outside Cabinet. Turia held multiple portfolios, including Minister for the Community and Voluntary Sector and Associate Minister of Health.
Turia retired in 2014 and was appointed a Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2015.
RELATED NEWS
