Willie Jackson reflects on the life of Dame Tariana Turia.
Willie Jackson reflects on the life of Dame Tariana Turia.
Opinion by Willie Jackson
Willie Jackson is a Labour MP
Labour MP Willie Jackson reflects on nearly joining Te Pāti Māori in 2017 but chose Labour instead.
Dame Tariana Turia questioned the decision, recalling her own experiences with Labour and their past betrayals.
The MP praises Turia’s principled stand on the foreshore and seabed, highlighting her loyalty and humour.
OPINION:
It’s no secret that I was meant to stand for Te Pāti Māori in 2017, but for reasons that I won’t go into, it didn’t happen and I ended up joining Labour which just for the record, I have absolutely no regrets doing and I’m very proud to say I am totally committed to.
In 2020 when I became the Minister of Māori Development, Tariana Turia came to my office to ask me why I hadn’t joined Te Pāti Māori, she just couldn’t work it out given my history as the previous leader of a Māori party in Parliament, Mana Motuhake, and given that I had helped her with the initial set up of the Māori Party in 2004.
Maori Party co-leaders Dame Tariana Turia (left) and Tā Pita Sharples (right) during their press conference at Parliament, following the release of a report reviewing the Foreshore and Seabed Act in July 2009. Photo / Mark Mitchell
After I explained why I didn’t join to her, she was furious but I said to her: “Hey Tari that’s politics you know this game better than just about anyone. You have been betrayed by the best, don’t worry about it, I’m happy where I am”.
She then seemed to get some satisfaction in telling me that 90% of the betrayal she had endured was from Labour Party politicians and so I according to her, “Better watch my back”!
When I told her she had just become a Tory lover and the National Party were actually her and the Māori Party’s downfall, she came back at me quick as fire with “Well, actually maybe you did make the right decision joining your stupid Labour Party” and then we both collapsed in a fit of laughter!
That was Tariana, quick as, and full of humour but also very very loyal and she said to me: ”I support you 100% and I know that you will get great gains for our people”.
Labour’s Willie Jackson was told to leave the House after calling David Seymour a "liar" as debate over Treaty Principles Bill raged on November 14, 2024. Photo / Mark Mitchell
Over the last few years we’ve stayed in touch and she’s always been supportive and complimentary despite her resentment for the Labour Party.
That resentment is without any doubt justified. She was treated despicably by Labour in 2004 and I’m proud to say that would never happen again in this new Labour Party and in the era of Jacinda (Ardern) and Chippy (Chris Hipkins).
Tari’s stand for our people over the foreshore and seabed was the most principled stand from any politician in the last couple of generations. She should be immortalised for her mahi and sacrifice.
I was proud to know her and work with her as she wasn’t just a colleague, but a dear friend with a wicked sense of humour. Family was everything to her.
The last time I heard from her was just a few weeks ago when my latest grandchild arrived she was so happy and congratulated me, whānau was paramount to her.
Tomorrow I will pay tribute to her at her tangi with Chris Hipkins, deputy leader Carmel Sepuloni and other Labour members where we will salute one of the true greats of te ao Māori and New Zealand politics, the magnificent Dame Tariana Turia.
No reira e te Mareikura, Te mana wahine, Te Kahurangi Tariana e kore matou e wareware to mahi mo tatou te iwi Māori i kokiri te kaupapa tino rangatiratanga i nga wa katoa. Moe mai, moe mai, moe mai ra.
