Labour MP Parekura Horomia has paid tribute to former Labour MP and Cabinet Minister, Whetu Tirikatene Sullivan, who has died at the age of 79.
Dr Tirikatene-Sullivan suffered a severe stroke 10 days ago, and died in the early hours of Wednesday morning.
Her death was announced by her family following her cremation and a private service in Wellington on Friday.
Dr Tirikatene-Sullivan was elected to parliament in 1967, as the member for Southern Maori, and went on to serve 10 terms as an MP.
Mr Horomia says she was a strong fighter for Maori women's rights, and a campaigner for good parenting.
Her whanau has announced a memorial service to be held at Wellington Cathedral of St Paul on Friday 12 August.
