Dame Tariana Turia is being remembered as a force to be reckoned with in Parliament

She died at Whangaehu Marae in Whanganui in the early hours of this morning.

Dame Tariana first entered Parliament as a Labour List MP in 1996 -- in 2004 she founded Te Pati Maori after splitting from the party.

Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says she was a very determined woman -- but also always had a great sense of humour.

He says she'll also be remembered for breaking away from Labour, when she saw something she thought wouldn't benefit Maori -- and had the courage to go her own way.

Whanau say on Sunday and Monday, the marae will be open for people to come and say their farewells.

The burial will be held on Tuesday at 11am.