Taini Morrison

Taini Hannah Merenia Morrison ( – 8 June 2009) was a kapa haka performer in New Zealand.

Career

Te Matarae-i-o-Rehu She was well noted for her love and passion for the 'old ways'. A leader and one of the founding members of the award-winning Māori performing group, Te Matarae-i-o-Rehu, Morrison played a crucial part in the group's award-winning performance at the 2002 Te Matatini Festival. As well as performing on national and international stages, she also taught at Rotorua Primary School.

Māori Performing Arts Taini Morrison has had a crucial influence on modern day Māori Performance. She has paved the way for many of New Zealand's top female performing arts members. She has been referred to by fellow group leader, Wetini Mitai-Ngatai, for her passion for kapa haka and love of the old ways. He also describes her by adding, "Mana and presence just oozed out of her. She was with the group almost since its inception. She was a great leader with a strong personality, I will miss her so much."

Wider Community Besides performing, she also taught at Rotorua Primary School for six years. She was renowned for helping out the local people. Her work with the school went as far as working and helping the children enhance their reading and oral abilities. Her body was taken to her family marae of Te Papa-i-o-uru at Ohinemutu at 11am. A funeral service was held on the next Thursday.

Personal life Taini Morrison was part of the talented Morrison family. She was the niece of legendary New Zealand singer Sir Howard Morrison and sister of the internationally acclaimed actor Temuera Morrison. She was of Ngāti Whakaue, Te Arawa descent. She was married to Tawhiao Hare of Patuheuheu, Waiohau. They had two children, Miriama and Te Wharekotua, and three grandchildren belonging to their eldest child, Miriama.