Just over nineteen years after being first elected, Tariana
Turia and the story of her transformative journey through Parliament will be
launched in the new book Crossing
the Floor - The Story of Tariana Turia on Monday 23rd November
2015.
While Parliament was not
part of her life plan, her direct approach and determination to speak up
ensured that she blazed a trail that few other politicians could emulate. In
her eighteen years as an MP, she advanced thinking in the disability area,
advocated for tobacco reform, spoke out about sexual abuse, violence and racism
and led the Whānau Ora initiative. Importantly in 2004 in the turmoil of the
Foreshore and Seabed debate, she made the decision to cross the floor, leading
to the birth of the Māori Party.
As Tariana says in her
book, “My determination to fight to protect our land and preserve our whenua
for our future generations probably traces back to 1975. I will never forget
when Dame Whina Cooper led the Māori Land March throughout the North Island. I
had helped to feed the marchers when they reached Whanganui, and stayed out at
Rātana Pā. The movement of marchers – Te Roopū Matakite – rallied behind the
call, ‘Not one more acre of land’. It stirred something in me: a restless
unease that lingered long after the marchers left the pā.”
This biography of
Tariana Turia sees family members, iwi leaders, social justice advocates and
politicians share their experiences of this remarkable woman.
The launch will be held
at the Banquet Hall, Parliament, Wellington commencing at 12:00 midday on
Monday 23rd November 2015.
Media are advised that
there will be a brief interview opportunity with Dame Tariana and the author
Mrs Helen Leahy at 1:45pm. It is appreciated if RSVP’s are sent to Elijah.Pue@parliament.govt.nz
or 027 740 6253.
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