Dame Tariana Turia Award – 2026

Dame Tariana Turia

A 2015 Luther Terry Award recipient and previous Co-leader of the New Zealand political party the Māori Party. In parliament Dame Tariana was a courageous, astute, untiring tobacco control champion for a smokefree New Zealand. Dame Tariana introduced five pieces of legislation that have achieved increases in excise tax, banned retail displays of tobacco products, reduced duty free allowances and introduced plain packaging.

Dame Tariana advocated strongly for the interests of people who smoke, and the highly addictive nature of tobacco. Tariana Turia’s fearlessness in the face of constant criticism and opposition (both from within Parliament and from the tobacco industry) has been critical in the journey towards minimising harm from tobacco for Māori and Pacific, as well as all other New Zealanders.

Award Background and Selection Criteria

This Tariana Turia Award was established by Hāpai Te Hauora and the Cancer Society New Zealand in recognition of the growing need for specialized action to reduce tobacco harm within indigenous communities.

The award recognizes an individual/or group contribution to tobacco control, with a focus on recognizing committed champions of indigenous tobacco control outcomes. Nominations are open to indigenous individuals, groups, or organisations from Aotearoa, the pacific, Australia and Torres Strait, involved in tobacco control who demonstrated the following:

  • Significant contribution to achievement in indigenous tobacco control outcomes at a local, regional or international level that has had an impact at population level.
  • Skills and success in generation and/or implementation of evidence, policies and public and political support for indigenous tobacco control needs.
  • Persistence in the face of opposition and criticism in regard to indigenous people and their rights to a tobacco free generation.

Nomination Process

There are two-parts to making a nomination for the award:

Part 1: Complete the Nomination Form

Tell us who you would like to nominate to receive the Dame Tariana Turia Award
Complete Nomination Form Here:

Part 2: Provide evidence and endorsements for nominee

Letters of endorsements are required from nominators and peers, outlining why they believe this individual should receive the award.
Upload Evidence & Endorsement Letters

Please note: Nominations without evidence and endorsements letters will not be considered. If you have any questions, you can contact us at tobaccocontrol@hapai.co.nz