Expat sends Sir Howard back to Vegas

A New Zealand millionaire who lives in the United States is flying Sir Howard Morrison to Las Vegas to sing at the man's 60th birthday.

While lounging on his super yacht at the America's Cup this year in Auckland, Owen Glen, an entrepreneur formerly from New Zealand, was surprised to see Sir Howard on television.

Mr Glen grew up in New Zealand when the Howard Morrison Quartet was in its heyday.

He is a big fan and could not believe Sir Howard was still singing. Through his mother in Whitianga, Mr Glen acquired the book The Sir Howard Morrison Story and his latest albums.

To celebrate his 60th birthday and the 25th anniversary of his business, Mr Glen is pulling out all the stops to impress his American buddies.

As Sir Howard puts it, he wants to "thump his chest" and show Americans that New Zealand can match them on the entertainment front.

Sir Howard leaves for Las Vegas with his wife Lady Kuia next week. He is also taking with him Palmerston North duo String of Pearls.

The birthday bash is being held at the MGM Grand in the heart of Las Vegas' entertainment strip and will be attended by the state's senator, Wall St gurus and high flyers on the American business scene.

Sir Howard will headline a South Pacific showcase that will include a Maori cultural group from Los Angeles.

He said he was "besotted with the offer" and was sure it would be another career highlight.

He first had a chance to perform in Las Vegas when he was offered a contract opening for one-man theatrical troupe Jonathan Winters.

Sir Howard turned down the offer because he did not want to tie himself to one contract.

"I've been back to Las Vegas a couple of times as a tourist but it is great to be able to go there as a performer. I am very, very excited about it."

- NZPA