Te Pūtahitanga o Te Waipounamu join whānau, hapū, iwi, and friends across the motu in mourning the loss of Dame Tariana Turia.
Te Pūtahitanga o Te Waipounamu, the Whānau Ora Commissioning Agency for the South Island, said they’ve been privileged to be guided by Kahurangi Tariana since its establishment in 2014.
The Agency acknowledged Dame Tariana’s legacy with her introducing the concept of Whānau Ora.
It said Turia’s leadership as the first Minister for Whānau Ora in 2010 was key in changing the ways the State has worked with Māori and Pasifika families.
Yesterday, representatives of Te Taumata, the iwi shareholder council of Te Pūtahitanga o Te Waipounamu, and the General Partnership Board, were welcomed on Whangaehu Marae in Whanganui to pay their respects.
“We are incredibly saddened by the passing of Kahurangi Tariana,” said Hina-i-te-māra Moses-Te Kani, Co-Chairperson of Te Taumata.
“The love of Kahurangi Tariana for her whānau, hapū and iwi, and for her people, was immeasurable as was her undeniable belief in whānau. She leaves an incredible legacy, which will endure for generations to come.”
Moses-Te Kani said as the inaugural Minister for Whānau Ora and then key member of their Independent Assessment Panel, Kahurangi Tariana was instrumental in helped shape their model to grow and strengthen the Whānau Ora approach.
“She was a tireless and fearless advocate for whānau, spearheading positive change across many areas, including family violence and the disability sector,” Moses-Te Kani said,
“Her message to all was simple: no-one may dictate the ideal path for a whānau besides that whānau themselves. Her belief in whānau being able to define their own solutions was unwavering.
“As thousands gather to pay their respects at Whangaehu Marae in Whanganui, we in Te Waipounamu send our love to the Turia whānau and to all who mourn the loss of this great leader.
“Moe mai rā e te rangatira, moe mai rā”.
