We are all grieving the loss of Dame Tariana Turia of Te Ātihauanui a Paparangi, Whanganui, who passed away on Thursday 2 January 2025.
Many years ago, Tariana worked in Māori Affairs, Whanganui, managing their special Māori labour and employment programmes. In 1988, Tariana worked alongside offcials in the Te Urepare Rangapu reforms which ultimately led to the Department being disestablished on 1 September 1989, with its resources and responsibilities transferring to Māori authorities. Tariana’s strong belief that iwi, hapū and especially whānau should devise and manage programmes emphasising health and wellbeing, expressed often to officials, who later see her sponsor the Whānau Ōra programme as Member of Parliament.