WelCom February/March 2025
New Zealand Māori rights activist and politician Hon Dame Tariana Turia DNZM died on 3 January 2025, aged 81.
Bishop Peter Cullinane, on behalf of the Catholic Church, sent the following tribute to her Maraekura whānau of Ohakune to be relayed at the gathering and funeral rites for Tariana.
A great lady has passed on to her eternal reward.
My tribute is simple: she was an example to us all of what leadership really is; of how it is a service, to be exercised for the common good, and not for self aggrandisement. She stands out as an example that many more of us need to follow.
May she rest in peace.
– Peter Cullinane, Bishop Emeritus, Catholic Diocese of Palmerston North.