Dame Tariana Turia is being remembered as a dedicated politician

Her family have confirmed 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 despite being considered left wing -- she was brought into John Key's Government.

He says her going with National benefited Maori when it came to settlements.

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.