Monty steps up to continue legacy

Kaumatua Monty Morrison helps to continue Mauriora Kingi's legacy.

Rotorua Lakes Council has appointed Monty Morrison as its interim kaupapa Maori advisor as it looks to continue Mauriora Kingi's legacy.

Mr Kingi, a respected Te Arawa leader and director of kaupapa Maori at the council, died on June 5.

Rotorua mayor Steve Chadwick said Mr Morrison was suggested by Te Arawa leaders Sir Toby Curtis, Anaru Rangihuea and Pihopa "Bishop" Kingi to act as interim kaumatua.

"They all offered [him] at Mauriora's tangi," Mrs Chadwick said.

"They all said it was an immediate need and the right person to step forward at this point was Monty.

"We're delighted. It's a beautiful segue for us. It was nice that it wasn't us asking but Te Arawa suggesting."

Mr Morrison said he was humbled to have been asked as it was an important role. He will meet with Mrs Chadwick and council chief executive Geoff Williams today to discuss how the kaupapa Maori programme might progress. "For Monty it's not the role of Mauriora but the civic role; it takes considerable pressure off us," Mrs Chadwick said. "Monty sees himself very humbly stepping into this role."

Tomorrow he will conduct a dawn service to welcome Matariki, although he has already carried out civic duties on behalf of the council in the wake of Mr Kingi's death.

Last Monday he and councillor Trevor Maxwell welcomed delegates to an engineering conference while Mr Kingi was lying in state at Paakiri Marae, Whakarewarewa. "I loved Mauriora dearly," Mr Morrison said.

"I have for a number of years been performing some roles for him. He was someone special, someone who we value.

"It's important that we have this [role]. That's the commitment I make, to continue the good work Mauriora has done as best I can. The idea isn't to fill his shoes but walk alongside them."

He said it was still "early days" as to what the kaupapa Maori programme would look like in the future but he said he was looking forward to being part of the discussion.

"We've been around a while, we Morrisons. I've a long history of contributing to the community and I think having a more focussed role and working with Steve and Geoff we will achieve great things."

Mrs Chadwick made the announcement at the Trustpower Community Awards on Monday night, saying many people had been wondering who would stand beside her at future events.