NZ First deputy leader Shane Jones blew up the paepae at Dame Tariana Turia’s tangi when he called on the former MP to “arise and teach your people not to shame your distinguished visitors” after the marae tikanga did not allow English speakers to pay their respects.

Three prime ministers - Christopher Luxon, Sir Bill English and Chris Hipkins - were unable to speak or allowed the opportunity to speak in English at Whangaehu Marae, near Whanganui.

An infuriated Jones said: “Maranga e Tari, akona tō iwi, manaakitia te manuhiri.”

Jones said that literally translated to “Tariana, rest no longer, arise and teach your people how to treat distinguished visitors”, he told the Herald.

He said he was absolutely floored by the marae tikanga, and though it was their prerogative to invoke such an understanding, he suspected political games were being played.

Chris Hipkins, Christopher Luxon and Nicola Willis arrive for a powhiri at Whangaehu Marae during Dame Tariana Turia’s tangi. Photo / Michael Tweed

“They said they didn’t want anyone standing and speaking if they are not going to speak Māori,” Jones said.

“I just thought what an absolute disgrace, so I got up and in Māori and blew the paepae up.

“It was disgraceful.

“The three PMs present as manuhiri should have been invited to speak.

“They came to honour Tariana and were denied the opportunity.

“So what if they had spoken English - expressions of aroha and sadness are universal.”

He said English was spoken at Kingi Tuheitia’s tangi by a number of speakers, and Luxon, English and Hipkins should have been afforded the same respect.

NZ First MP Shane Jones.

Despite not speaking at the pōwhiri, Labour leader Hipkins said it was “important to be here”.

“The strength of representation across Parliament shows the significant role Tariana played over a number of years.”

Hipkins said Whānau Ora would be a lasting legacy to her work.

“I think that showed Government can do things differently with issues affecting Māori.”

Labour MP Willie Jackson said Turia had been a great fighter for Māori and always advocated strongly.

“She did that with Labour and she did that with National.

“That’s the hardest thing to do.”

Turia served as a minister in Labour (community and voluntary sector) and National (disability issues, Whānau Ora) governments before retiring from politics in 2014.

Jackson said Turia was a battler and “maybe the most influential Māori politician of this generation”.

Former Prime Minister Bill English said he remembered Turia for her courage.

She was a “brave politician”, he said.

“Tariana was absolutely clear about doing the right thing as she saw it, for Māori and for the country.

“That meant everyone could trust her, even if they disagreed with her.”

He said it was important for all politicians to attend her tangi.

“It’s a reminder of the way she changed how politics worked in New Zealand.”

Spokespeople from the marae did not wish to comment on Jones’ criticism.

- NZ Herald