Dame Tariana Turia has passed away, after suffering a stroke earlier in the week.

Turia passed died in the early hours of this morning, aged 80.

Turia’s political career began in 1996 when she was elected to Parliament as a member of the Labour Party.

She gained significant prominence during the foreshore and seabed controversy in 2004, opposing the government’s legislation that placed ownership of the foreshore and seabed with the state.

In protest, she resigned from the Labour Party and her parliamentary seat, subsequently co-founding the Māori Party in July 2004.

She successfully contested a by-election in her former electorate, Te Tai Hauāuru, becoming the first Māori Party MP and serving as co-leader alongside Pita Sharples.

During her 18 years in Parliament, Turia was a steadfast advocate for Māori and other marginalised communities.

She led the development of several key initiatives, including Whānau Ora, a culturally based approach aimed at delivering social and health services to whānau (families) to improve their overall quality of life.

Turia also championed tobacco reform, rheumatic fever prevention, and spoke out against sexual abuse, violence, and racism.

In recognition of her services as a Member of Parliament, Turia was appointed a Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit in the 2015 New Year Honours.

New Zealand Prime Minister has paid tribute to Turia.

“Dame Tariana was a principled leader, never swaying from her values and doing what she believed to be right. She was a tireless advocate for the betterment of Māori.

“Among many contributions, she will be remembered for her work establishing the Whānau Ora programme to improve Māori and community wellbeing.

“Dame Tariana leaves a significant legacy for Māori and for New Zealand,” Luxon said.

“Dame Tariana’s passing will be felt keenly by her iwi, hapu and whānau, and my thoughts and condolences are with them today.”

Former minister Peter Dunn said “Very sad news about Dame Tāriana Turia. She was my Parliamentary benchmate for many years, and one of the most principled, dignified and honourable people I have met. I admired and respected her greatly. May she rest in peace.”