Hon Tariana Turia was appointed as Minister Outside of Cabinet in December 1999.

Prior to the election, she was a List MP with the portfolio's of Maori Health and Youth Issues, she was also a permanent member of the Maori Affairs Select Committee.

Previously she has a long and active history in Maori Iwi development, especially in the areas of health, employment, and education.

Health - initiated, along with others, the development of Te Oranganui Iwi Health Authority (the longest and largest Maori Health Service provider in the Central Region. Provides primary, medical, community, and mental disability support services).

She was a member of an evaluation team for first pilot cervical screening project for Maori women.

Employment - member of a team that established the Te Awa Youth Trust (the first marae based training establishment in 1980).

Education - member of two Task Forces to establish Kura Kaupapa Maori.