Morrisons to feature in kapa haka documentary

GENES: The Maxwell family are born performers (from left) Inia Maxwell, Kahurangi Maxwell and Trevor Maxwell with moko (from left) Kahu-Tarena, 4, and Atareta, 6. PHOTO/SUPPLIED

Rotorua's Morrison whanau will feature in a new documentary that highlights their contribution to kapa haka.

Kapa Haka Whanau is a new series starting on Maori Television on Saturday and for the first time the descendants of Temuera and Kahu Gertrude Morrison are telling their kapa haka stories in their own words.

Actor and direct descendant Tem Morrison takes the role of guide in a half-hour documentary story that traces the Morrisons' competitive kapa haka journey from Ngati Rangiwewehi to Te Matarae I O Rehu to Nga Uri O te Whanoa.

The episode kicks off an eight-part series that looks into the head, hearts and homes of some the country's most dedicated kapa haka whanau.

This story features senior members of the Morrison whanau who are children of Temuera and Kahu Gertrude- the late Sir Howard Morrison and his sister Judith Tapsell and Rene (Buncie) Mitchell.

The documentary also features an interview with Sir Howard's widow Lady Kuia Morrison and their brother-in-law Trevor Maxwell, who married another sister, the late Atareta Maxwell.

Mr Maxwell, a kapa haka stalwart who was the long-time leader of Ngati Rangiwewehi, told the Rotorua Daily Post he couldn't wait to see the documentary and was honoured to be asked to be involved.

"I was very blessed, and I expressed this in the documentary, that I became a member of the Morrison family. While that was through marriage with my late wife Atareta, that link to the Morrisons goes right through now with my children Inia and Kahurangi and my moko.

"I was very proud that the strong Morrison relationship saw many of them become members of our group Ngati Rangiwewehi."

Mr Maxwell said through kapa haka the Morrison whanau travelled the country and the world performing.

"It just became a way of life for us."

He said the Morrisons were talented entertainers because it was in their genes.

"They come from a wonderful Scottish and Maori mix. Kahu was a matriarch and was an outstanding singer herself. She sang and entertained for many people around the world whether it be for tourists in hotels or in shows throughout New Zealand. It started from there and filtered down through her children.

"They all were involved in singing and performing and tourism played its part. Atareta and I continued that on with all our nieces and nephews, such as Tem, Howie (Morrison Junior), Kahu and Inia, and that's how they got their opportunities. So it was a lovely stepping stone."

The series is produced by Fantail Media Ltd, a new Tauranga-based company.

Fantail Media producer/director Debra Reweti said there would be memorable performances from the past and present and overdue recognition of the special contribution the Morrison whanau had made to the world of kapa haka.

Kapa Haka Whanau will screen on Maori Television at 6pm.