Sir Howard Morrison Funeral, Rotorua New Zealand
Crowds Flock to Rotorua NZ to Farewell Legendary Entertainer
Sep 29, 2009
People from all walks of life came to Ohinemutu on the shores of Lake Rotorua, New Zealand, to pay their last respects to Sir Howard Morrison, one of New Zealand’s best-loved entertainers. Sir Howard, who has been described as New Zealand’s greatest entertainer and a hero in show business, touched many lives in his long and illustrious career.
Sir Howard Morrison’s Tangihanga (Mourning Ceremony)
Sir Howard, who had a history of heart disease, died following a heart attack at his home last Thursday, 24 September 2009. Over the past five days thousands of people have been welcomed onto Te Papaiouru, Sir Howard’s home marae, where his body has lain in state until today. Many mourners were led into the meeting house of Tamatekapua by Sir Howard’s family members to share the sacred protocols of the tangihanga and pay their last respects in person.
Sir Howard Morrison’s Funeral – Tears, Song and Laughter
By 9:00am this morning the heavy mist that had cloaked Ohinemutu since first light had lifted. Wraiths of steam drifted from hot pools at lake's-edge and sunshine broke through the clouds in time for Sir Howard’s farewell service.
Among the dignitaries who attended this uniquely New Zealand occasion were leaders of Maori tribes throughout the country, New Zealand’s Acting Prime Minister, the Chinese Ambassador, and representatives from many different political parties and organisations.
An estimated three thousand people gathered for the outdoor ecumenical service where tears, song and laughter prevailed. The hymn Sir Howard stamped with his own special magic, Whakaaria Mai (How Great Thou Art), was the first song to reverberate across the lake. Many well known entertainers paid musical tribute to Sir Howard, including diva Dame Malvina Major with her soaring rendition of ‘Oh My Beloved Father'.
Sir Howard’s daughter Donna Grant thanked all the people who had come to pay tribute to her father over the past few days. In her eulogy she said that Sir Howard “was a bicultural example of what New Zealand and what nationhood was all about.”
At the conclusion of the public service Sir Howard’s casket was carried into St Faith’s church where a brief period of prayer was held for family and invited friends. The casket, blanketed in white flowers and greenery, was then placed in the silver-grey hearse and escorted from Ohinemutu by a group of warriors. Before being taken to Kauae Cemetery for his internment, Sir Howard was driven through the streets of Rotorua, visiting some of his favourite haunts along the way.
Sir Howard Morrison Laid to Rest at Kauae Cemetery
Led by police and followed by a long convoy of vehicles, the funeral cortege made its way past many people clustered along the four-kilometre route. Strangers standing side-by-side found themselves sharing stories of what Howard Morrison had meant to them. "Sir Howard Morrison has always been there," said one onlooker. "When I was small, I heard him on the radio, then we saw him on black and white television, then colour television and live performances."
As the procession wound through the city on Sir Howard’s farewell lap, mourners gathered at Kauae Cemetery on the lower slopes of Mount Ngongotaha. Sir Howard Morrison was laid to final rest beside his parents and other members of his family.
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