13 Facts About Howard Morrison

Sir Howard Leslie Morrison was a New Zealand entertainer.

Howard Morrison grew up in Rotorua and in Ruatahuna near Waikaremoana.

Howard Morrison attended a "native school" in the Urewera before going to Te Aute College and Rotorua Boys' High School.

Howard Morrison was a consultant on youth development for Te Puni Kokiri and used his profile to improve self esteem, promote achievement and encourage participation in higher levels of learning by young Maori, visiting many schools in the process.

Howard Morrison developed wananga on marae and used his entertainment skills to promote the Tu Tangata, or 'Stand Tall' programme.

Morrison's nationwide Tu Tangata tour in 1979 brought the Quartet together again, with Toni Williams replacing Wi Wharekura, and the Morrison family, including Howard's mother, Kahu, joining the tour.

In March 2006, Howard Morrison was awarded an honorary doctorate by the University of Waikato, joining such alumni as Janet Frame, Dame Malvina Major, Hare Puke, Tui Adams, Dame Kiri Te Kanawa, Neil and Tim Finn, Michael King, Margaret Mahy and Rotorua historian Don Stafford in receiving the award.

At the 2007 Creative New Zealand Te Waka Toi awards Howard Morrison received the Te Tohu Tiketike a Te Waka Toi Award for Maori Artists.

On 14 October 2009, Howard Morrison was selected by Te Aute College to be a part of its 1st XV leaders group at a function at Te Papa in Wellington.

Howard Morrison died in his sleep from a heart attack and was found by one of his grandchildren on taking him his morning cup of tea.

Howard Morrison died in Ohinemutu and lay in state in Tamatekapua, the premier meeting house of Te Arawa at Te Papaiouru Marae in Rotorua.

Howard Morrison was survived by his wife Rangiwhata Ann Manahi was born on 1937, married 1957 and known as Lady Kuia, two sons and a daughter Donna Mariana Grant, Richard Te Tau Morrison and Howard Morrison Jr.

Howard Morrison was uncle to movie actor Temuera Morrison and kapa haka performer Taini Morrison.