Iwi mourns loss of 'dynamic' woman

100708kt13 Linda Morrison, editor/publisher of the Ohinemutu Informer. 10 July 2008 The Daily Post Photograph by Kelvin Teixeira

Te Arawa is mourning the loss of a woman who was described by many as dynamic, innovative and charismatic.

Hundreds farewelled Linda Moewaka Morrison during the final day of her tangi in Ohinemutu yesterday.

The 67-year-old suffered a sudden medical condition and passed away on Boxing Day, surrounded by family at Rotorua Hospital.

The younger sister of Sir Howard Morrison was a former singer, founder of a South Auckland modelling school and agency, and creator of the Ohinemutu Informer, a newsletter-type booklet featuring stories of people from Ohinemutu.

Hundreds paid their respect and mourned Linda Morrison at St Faiths church yesterday.

Whanau spokeswoman and niece Sandy Morrison said their family was still coming to terms with the sudden loss of their loved one.

"It's obviously a huge shock, especially during Christmas, but then our aunty was always different and she stood strong in her point of difference so with that in mind it's no surprise she would choose to go in a dramatic way at Christmas.

"She's obviously not only a huge loss to her family but everybody in Rotorua and Te Arawa," Ms Morrison said.

"When she entered a room everybody knew she was there because of her beauty, charisma and presence. She was bold and courageous and had a drive to do many innovative things."

Ms Morrison said her aunty also started an over-55 club for all of her friends to encourage them to get out and about and went on many excursions throughout the country.

Many travelled throughout the country to pay their respects to Linda Morrison including Dame Temuranga Batley-Jackson and her son, former politician and broadcaster Willie Jackson, former Cabinet minister Georgina Te Heuheu and a contingent of motorcycle riders, which included the Patriot Defence Force Motorcycle Club and White Ribbon Riders.

Rotorua Mayor Steve Chadwick was also in attendance.

"I think Linda lived life to the full and was proud of her heritage. My last memory of her was turning up to the Te Arawa Partnership [council meeting], she understood the deeper meaning and I was very humbled to see her there," Mrs Chadwick said.

Ms Morrison is survived by older sisters Judy Tapsell and Rene (Buncie) Mitchell, her son Aaron, five mokopuna and numerous nephews and nieces.