Dame Kiri Te Kanawa has been honoured in Parliament today (file picture). Photo: Kiri Te Kanawa Foundation
Dame Kiri Te Kanawa has been recognised for her achievements with speeches and waiata in Parliament.
The world-renowned retired opera singer celebrated her 80th birthday this month.
Arts, Culture and Heritage Minister Paul Goldsmith moved a motion in the House on Tuesday to recognise her illustrious career saying a birthday is the perfect opportunity to do so.
He said she was an inspiring New Zealander, both her personal achievements and her work mentoring dozens of other singers.
"She's inspired many fellow New Zealanders to reach for the stars. She inspires but she also helps. Twenty years ago, her Kiri Te Kanawa Foundation, as King Charles noticed, was established, and has helped more than 40 singers succeed globally as well. Dame Kiri Te Kanawa, we honour you today."
Each political party spoke warmly of Dame Kiri's work.
The Labour and Māori Parties acknowledged her contribution to Te Ao Māori.
Te Pāti Māori's Mariameno Kapa-Kingi said she fostered the talent of young Māori performers.
"You've inspired as well as helped young Māori invoke the ancestral magic that lies in their whakapapa and provided the platform to expose that to the world."
Labour's Willie Jackson thanked Dame Kiri for promoting te reo Māori through her songs performed in the language.
He also invited her to stand in one of Labour's Māori seats.
"I was reminded by the Māori caucus that we lost a few seats, and we have an available spot in the North at the moment Dame Kiri and so feel free to get in touch with me if you feel the need to join politics."
ACT Party leader David Seymour made a counter-offer for the singer to join his party.
"I hear stories about your very accurate shooting of pheasants, with none other than the Queen. Now, the Labour Party have offered you a membership, but could I just suggest they're not the right party for your after all, and besides I'd hate to think what they'd tax you."
Once the motion was passed by the House, Dame Kiri accompanied opera singer Kawiti Waetford in performing "Pokarekare Ana".
