Turia praised for her long service

Tariana Turia has been appointed a Dame Companion in the New Year's Honours list. Photo / File

Waiariki MP and Maori Party co-leader Te Ururoa Flavell has paid tribute to his former co-leader's New Year's Honours.

Tariana Turia was appointed a Dame Companion last week for her services as a Member of Parliament.

Dame Tariana (Ngati Apa, Nga Wairiki, Nga Rauru, Ngati Tuwharetoa, Whanganui) was the founding co-leader of the party. She retired from Parliament last year.

"Who will forget the image of the then Labour Party MP Tariana Turia crossing the floor to oppose the unjust foreshore and seabed bill?" Mr Flavell said.

"Her immense personal courage inspired thousands to march from all corners of Aotearoa to Parliament to protest about the erosion of our customary and legal rights. With that brave action she mobilised like-minded New Zealanders to establish the Maori Party to protect Maori rights and defend the aspirations of all who joined.

"Tariana has been a champion of rangatiratanga (self-determination) for Maori as well as advocating strongly for disabled persons and Pasifika communities," he said.

Dame Tariana has held ministerial portfolios in Labour and National-led governments that have enabled her to significantly affect the lives of others. From 1999 she held a number of Associate Ministerial responsibilities with the Labour Government and in 2002 was appointed Minister for the Community and Voluntary Sector. She established the first Community and Voluntary Sector office, introduced the Treaty clause into the Health and Disability Act, and promoted the uptake of cultural competency as a basic standard right across the health sector.

Maori Party co-leader Marama Fox said Dame Tariana had made an extraordinary contribution to the lives of thousands of New Zealanders.