Former Labour minister and champion for women's rights Dame Margaret Shields has passed away, aged 71.
The former Kapiti MP was an elected Labour politician for nine years and was a minister from 1984 to 1990. She also chaired the Greater Wellington Regional Council and dedicated her life to campaigning for women's rights.
Dame Margaret passed away on Wednesday last week at Eldon Lodge Retirement Home in Paraparaumu, her family has said in a death notice of her local newspaper.
"She will be sadly missed by her extended family and friends," the notice said.
The Labour Party has paid tribute to Dame Margaret, who is survived by her husband Pat and one of her two daughters.