Dame Tariana's spirit celebrated at Whanganui 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 whānau," he told a crowd of about 400.

He spoke on Dame Tariana's behalf at her investiture at Pūtiki Marae today, after Governor-General Dame Patsy Reddy made her a Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit.

Tariana was a whangai child in a conservative, almost Victorian, Pūtiki family, Huwyler said. She always rebelled against that conservativism. 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, Huwyler said.

Dame Patsy said it was a pleasure to bestow 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.

Dame Tariana's citation spoke of her time at Pākaitore, 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 kaumātua John Maihi added his recollections, of discussions with Dame Tariana in which she was the ultimate winner. He remembered a "magnificent" speech she made at Pākaitore in 1995, where she spoke of dying for the cause.

"No one agreed with her. I think some of them were saying 'Die?' She was staunch and she stuck to her kaupapa. She would face anything."

While all this was going on Mona Patea in the audience reflected on what she knew of Dame Tariana's generosity - providing food for the hungry and school uniforms for families that coudn't afford them.

"The old people and the children are the people she worries about."

Dame Tariana herself looked tired and Patea said she wouldn't be enjoying all the praise, and would prefer to be "going to look after the people" instead.

Like many present, Patea enjoyed the chance to see her cousins and said there was always "a bit of hilarity" at such occasions.

"This is one of the jubilant days. A wonderful day."

The Governor-General's party received a full wero and pōwhiri, and there were many speeches and songs.