Tēnā koutou katoa,

With deep sadness, Te ORA (Te Ohu Rata o Aotearoa) acknowledges the passing of Dame Tariana Turia, a fearless champion for Māori rights and wellbeing. Her life was dedicated to the pursuit of justice, equity, and self-determination for Māori, and her legacy will forever remain a beacon of hope and inspiration.

Dame Tariana’s tireless advocacy reshaped the political and social landscape of Aotearoa. As a co-founder of Te Pāti Māori and the visionary behind Whānau Ora, she transformed the way health and social services are delivered, empowering whānau to take charge of their futures. Her commitment to addressing systemic racism and fostering a kaupapa Māori approach to health and wellbeing has left an indelible mark on our nation.

In 2014, Te ORA had the privilege of holding our Hui ā-Tau at Dame Tariana’s marae in Whangaehu. It was during this special occasion that she was awarded the prestigious Maarire Goodall Award, an annual honor celebrating the significant contributions of Māori health professionals. This moment was a testament to her enduring impact and unwavering commitment to Māori health and wellbeing.

To us at Te ORA, Dame Tariana was more than a political leader—she was a kaitiaki of Māori aspirations and a staunch supporter of equity in healthcare. Her work challenged us to confront the systemic inequities that persist today and inspired generations of Māori health practitioners to continue her fight.

As we mourn her loss, we celebrate her legacy. Dame Tariana reminded us all of the power of mātauranga Māori, the importance of whānau, and the strength that comes from standing firm in our beliefs.

Te ORA extends our aroha to Dame Tariana’s whānau. May her enduring vision continue to guide us.

Ngā mihi,
Te ORA Board