Former Mori Party co-leader and Whangaehu resident Dame Tariana Turia will be honoured by the American Cancer Society in Abu Dhabi tomorrow for her commitment to reducing the number of people who smoke.
Dame Tariana will receive the Luther L Terry Award for exemplary leadership in tobacco control at the 16th World Conference on Tobacco or Health.
Mori Party co-leader Te Ururoa Flavell said the award was for Dame Tariana's "enduring commitment" to the health of all New Zealanders and tireless pursuit of a smoke-free Aotearoa by 2025.
"We are proud that Tariana's legacy in reducing the deadly effects of cigarette smoking has been recognised internationally."
Measures instigated by her while in government included increased tobacco-excise taxes, banned tobacco retail displays and a lower duty-free allowance for cigarettes. She also supported health campaigns, smoking cessation programmes and "secured funding for an innovation fund to help reduce smoking in hard to reach communities".