Dame Tariana Turia's eulogy has come with a plea -- to submit on the Treaty Principles Bill, and protect hard-fought gains

The former Government minister and Te Pati Maori co-founder is being laid to rest at her marae at Whangaehu, following her death on Friday.

Former Te Pati Maori chief of staff Helen Leahy paid tribute to her friend and former colleague -- describing her as fierce and courageous, with a ferocious work ethic.

She encouraged attendees to honour Turia by seeing her tangi as a call to action -- reminding them there is just hours left to submit on the Treaty Principles Bill.