A senior Labour MP says the party treated Dame Tariana Turia 'despicably' in 2004

Dame Tariana made history by crossing the floor that year, leaving Labour over the controversial foreshore and seabed legislation.

The move was fundamental to the foundation of Te Pati Maori.

Labour MP Willie Jackson says Dame Tariana was always supportive despite her resentment of Labour, which he says without any doubt was justified.

Mr Jackson believes that would never happen again under new leadership.

He believes her stand over the foreshore and seabed act was the most principled of any politician in generations.

Labour Leader Chris Hipkins, and fellow Labour MPs, will honour Dame Tariana at her tangi tomorrow.