In a rare move, Parliament has moved a motion to celebrate the 80th birthday of Dame Kiri Te Kanawa.
The legendary opera singer sat in the Speaker's gallery today as politicians paid tribute to her.
Politicians don't usually dish out compliments in the debating chamber, but today was an exception.
Arts, Culture and Heritage Minister Paul Goldsmith was the first to give a speech today, reminiscing when the Kiwi icon sang at Prince Charles and Princess Diana's wedding in 1981.
"Dame Kiri Te Kaniwa, we honour you today," he said.
Labour MP Willie Jackson also spoke, saying "Dame Kiri is probably the most famous Māori performer of the last two generations".
ACT leader David Seymour said: "When most of us were best known for rugby, racing and beer, (she) showed the world and ourselves that we could be something different, that we could be at the top of the world in opera."
The crowd for Dame Kiri today was slightly smaller than what she's used to, but the singer said the tribute was "very special".
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