Thousands gather for Sir Howard

For the first time since Sir Howard Morrison's death on Thursday rain has stopped pounding Rotorua.

The on-going downpour, seen by Maoridom as a sign that a great man has passed, has not deterred thousands of mourners, some who have had to wait up to two hours to be welcomed, from flooding to Ohinemutu on the shores of Lake Rotorua to farewell the entertainment kaumatua (leader).

New Zealand First leader Winston Peters was among those who paid tribute this morning while this afternoon it will be the turn of church leaders from across the denominations.

An Anglican and regular member of the congregation at St Faith's church opposite Tamatekapua meeting house where his body is lying in state, Sir Howard was an long-time advocate of church unity.

He made frequent reference to the fact that while half his whanau were Protestants the other half were Catholics. The scenario is the same for the majority of Ohinemutu residents and dates back to missionary days.

The story is told that with both Anglican and Catholic church representatives arriving in the village at the same time a line was drawn in the ground. Each Maori present was instructed to stand on alternate sides, thus they were divvied up between the faiths.

Entertainment industry representatives are expected to give their tributes to Sir Howard tomorrow.

After a public ecumenical service for Sir Howard on Papa-i-ouru marae in front of Tamatekapua on Tuesday his casket will be taken to St Faith's for a brief period of prayer. Attendance will be restricted to whanau and invited guests.

He will then be taken to Kauae Cemetery on the slopes of Mt Ngongotaha to be buried with his forebears and recently deceased family members.

- NZPA