Morrison was diagnosed with Stage 4 cervical cancer in August last year. In April she revealed the cancer had spread through her body.
More than 500 people were at the funeral. Photo/Ben Fraser
After her diagnosis, Talei encouraged women to have their cervical smear tests done before performing at regional kapa haka events.
Her mother, Sandy Morrison, delivered the eulogy at Talei's tangihanga, saying that when her daughter was away from Rotorua studying, they couldn't wait to get her home for a holiday.
"She cared for my brothers and sisters and promised she would look after all of us in our old age.
"Our lives of course changed last year in August when we heard she was suffering from cervical cancer. She faced that challenge full on. She was valiant, she was selfless, and in the midst of the most difficult experience of her life, she decided to start a national campaign."
Talei's only daughter Hana Morrison delivered a poem at the funeral. Photo/Ben Fraser
Sandy said her family wanted Talei to look after herself but "in her selflessness, she found room to live for a greater purpose" - that being the Smear Your Mea campaign.
"She was determined and committed and had an influence on hundreds.
"She lives on through those who have listened to her message. In spreading the message she becomes a shining shard of immortality and only very few can claim that."
Sandy described her daughter as vivacious, dynamic, extraordinary and talented.
Talei would have welcomed her first grandchild in the next few weeks. Her only daughter Hana is pregnant.
Hana said she hoped to pass on everything her mother had taught her to her own child.
Tiria Waitai, who worked with Talei and was a good friend, said Talei was "beyond courageous".
Kapa haka group Te Mātārae I Ōrehu performs.
"Only she could turn something as horrible as cervical cancer into something positive and purposeful and significant," Waitai said.
"To my friend, my sister, Talei, I never conceived the day would come where I'd have to say goodbye. I thought we would grow old together. But for now, your work is done. You can rest in peace and in love knowing that your legacy will live on."
Talei Morrison is taken from the marae following the tangihanga. Photo/Ben Fraser
Waitai planned to continue Talei's Smear Your Mea campaign and said she aimed to have 100 per cent of the kaihaka (performers) up to date on their smears by the next Te Matatini Kapa Haka Festival in February.
"There is much work to be done to continue Talei's legacy."
Talei spent six years teaching at Rotorua Girls' High School and the former principal Annette Joyce spoke at the funeral saying "anything was possible for Talei".
Talei Morrison founded the Smear Your Mea campaign.
"She always had the ability to make our lives brighter and make us feel the world was a happy place. Now we need to put Talei up on our shoulders and take her with us as we go about our lives. She has enriched our lives so much, now we need to show her that we can do the same in her name."
One of Talei's partner's nieces, Ashleigh Grant, said Talei had been an amazing teacher and mentor to her.
