Lady Tureiti Moxon has joined the many people paying tribute to the late Kahurangi Tariana Turia, who died early yesterday morning.
The former government minister suffered a stroke earlier this week, and spent her final days at home in Whangaehu.
In a statement yesterday afternoon, Lady Moxon said it had been “an immense privilege and honour to work alongside Tariana over many years”.
“Her leadership and courage were unmatched, and her legacy is one that will endure through generations.”
Moxon pointed out some of her many achievements, including founding Te Pāti Māori, creating Whānau Ora, as well as her “wise governance during the 2019 Māori Inquiry into Oranga Tamariki, and unwavering commitment to the Waitangi Tribunal hearing against Oranga Tamariki”.
“She will always be remembered as the courageous leader who stood against injustice.”
She also hailed Turia’s 2004 decision to split from Labour over the Foreshore and Seabed Act, a decision which culminated in the creation of the Māori Party.
As party co-leader in 2008, Turia entered into a coalition agreement with the National Party which ultimately led to the repeal of the Foreshore and Seabed Act, and its replacement with the Takutai Moana (Marine and Coastal Area) Act 2011.
“Today, Te Pāti Māori continues to uphold her vision and commitment to the tino rangatiratanga of our people.”
“Her impact is immeasurable, and her legacy will live on ake tonu atu—forever and always. I have been a great admirer of Tariana for all of that time."
Moxon extended the deepest and most heartfelt sympathies to Dame Tariana’s whānau, hapū, and iwi on behalf of the National Urban Māori Authority, the Board and Te Kōhao Health.
“She will be sorely missed, yet her spirit will continue to guide and inspire us all.”
“Kua hinga te tōtara o Te Waonui a Tāne – the tōtara in the great forest of Tāne has fallen."
