Sir Howard Morrison Honoured by Creative NZ

Tuesday 25 September 2007

Sir Howard Morrison Honoured by Creative New Zealand

“Not just a great artist and entertainer but an outstanding New Zealander” was the resounding message conveyed when Te Waka Toi, the Maori Arts Board of Creative New Zealand, presented Sir Howard with Te Tohu Tiketike a Te Waka Toi, the premiere Te Waka Toi Award for Maori artists who have demonstrated a lifetime commitment to their art and who are leaders in their field.

The ceremony on Sunday 23 September at Te Papaiouru Marae in Rotorua was attended by around two hundred of Sir Howard’s friends,whanau and supporters. Among those to pay tribute to Sir Howard were Miti Ririnui MP; Sir Barry Curtis, Mayor of Manukau City; opera singer Dame Malvina Major; writer, director and actor Oscar Kightley (a member of the Creative New Zealand Arts Council); and Te Arawa historian, Don Stafford.

All the tributes supported the kaupapa of the day, honouring Sir Howard’s outstanding career in the arts and his exceptional contribution as a New Zealander. In a heartfelt tribute, Sir Barry Curtis praised the community work initiated by Sir Howard, whom he described as “truly a legend”.

Oscar Kightley, speaking about Sir Howard’s appearance on Bro’ Town spoke of Sir Howard’s “inclusiveness”, and stressed the importance of introducing a younger generation to the work of Sir Howard whom he described as a “great New Zealander”.

The chair of Te Waka Toi, Dr Ngahuia Te Awekotuku, who presented Sir Howard with the award, said, “It is with great pleasure that Te Waka Toi is able to honour Sir Howard Morrison with Te Tohu Tiketike a Te Waka Toi, he has captured the hearts of New Zealanders and earned his place as a national icon.”

Photo attached, caption, left to right: Sir Howard Morrison, Dr Ngahuia Te Awekotuku, Ranui Ngarimu, Lady Rangiwhata Morrison, Suzanne Ellison, Sandy Adsett.

ENDS

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