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It was a performance that would have made Jake the Muss run for the hills. Temuera Morrison was a warrior once more - but this time on his best behaviour.
Yesterday Morrison was given the honour of welcoming Prince Andrew to Rotorua's Te Papaiouru Marae.
The prince was in town to award a bravery citation to the son of World War II legend, Lance Sergeant Haane Manahi.
Upon arrival at Te Papaiouru Marae, Rotorua-born Morrison - one of New Zealand's most celebrated entertainment exports and star of Die Another Day and Once Were Warriors - welcomed the royal with a powhiri.
Sergeant Manahi - who died in a car accident in 1986 - was not given a Victoria Cross during World War II despite recommendations that his gallantry warranted the highest award for valour. Tribal leaders have fought since the war for recognition of his 1943 bravery when he led soldiers to capture Takrouna Ridge, near Tunisia, during the campaign in North Africa.
Yesterday Prime Minister Helen Clark said the "right thing had been done" and one "of our sons has been recognised".
