Plaudits for rebel with a cause at investiture
Tariana Turia has always had a fire in her belly, her nephew Grant Huwyler says.
“She’s definitely a role model for all of us and we are extremely proud of her as a wha¯nau,” he told a crowd of about 400.
He spoke on Dame Tariana’s behalf at her investiture at Pu¯tiki Marae yesterday, after Governor-General Dame Patsy Reddy made her a Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit.
She was a whangai child in a conservative, almost Victorian, Pu¯ tiki family, Huwyler said, and always rebelled against that conservative side. Accepting an honour bestowed by the Queen was a compromise she made in the interest of her family — her aunts would have loved to see it.
Dame Patsy said it was a pleasure to give the honour in front of Dame Tariana’s family, friends and community.
She spoke of Dame Tariana’s extraordinary contribution on behalf of all New Zealanders, her commitment, perseverance and compassion.
Her citation spoke of her time at Pa¯kaitore, the way she founded Te Oranganui Iwi Health Authority and her time in Parliament.
It said one of the hallmarks of her leadership was the idea that change was more enduring when people determined their own solutions.
Whanganui kauma¯tua John Maihi added his own recollections, of discussions with Dame Tariana in which she was the ultimate winner. He remembered a magnificent speech she made at Pa¯kaitore, where
She enjoyed the chance to see her cousins and said there was always “a bit of hilarity”.
“This is one of the jubilant days. A wonderful day.”
The Governor-General received a full wero and po¯ whiri, and there were many speeches and songs.