Thousands of mourners stun Morrison family

It has been only one day but already more than 2000 people have paid their respects at Sir Howard Morrison's tangi.
The number of mourners filing through Tamatekapua Meeting House on the shores of Lake Rotorua have humbled the Morrison family.
The tangi has been declared a "hui of national significance" by the Government.
A Prime Minister's office spokesman said this was the most prominent status a tangi could be given and was just a step below a state funeral.
 
When family and friends carried Sir Howard's casket from his home to the hearse for the short trip to Te Papaiouru Marae, Ohinemutu, a torrential rainstorm appeared to announce the departure of Rotorua's greatest entertainer.
More than 1500 mourners were at the marae to welcome home Sir Howard to Tamatekapua Meeting House.
Maori warriors led Sir Howard's casket, his family and friends on to the marae, and were met by a rousing powhiri from the home people.
Maori Party co-leader Tariana Turia was part of the ope (group) who came on with Sir Howard. She said he was a huge loss to Maoridom.
"The thing that I loved most about him was he was an extraordinary person and yet he could be so ordinary ... People knew him for singing and education, but he was very focused on healthy lifestyles, especially for young people. I think that is what we are going to miss the most."
Family spokesman Monty Morrison said the family was moved by the emotional welcome.
Sir Howard would have been humbled by the tributes paid to him, nephew Temuera Morrison said.
By yesterday afternoon, five hours after his casket was carried into Tamatekapua, about 2000 people had arrived to pay their respects.
Among the first to give speeches were members of Tuhoe, a tribe Sir Howard was closely affiliated with after spending most of his upbringing in the Ureweras.
"There have been some wonderful tributes. When we have a death Tuhoe cry, when they have a death, we cry and it goes like that.
"We have a very close association. So far these speeches have been pretty powerful. The home crowd will have to sharpen their game a little bit.
"He [Sir Howard] would be very happy and lying there quite proud."
Monty Morrison said Sir Howard took his inspiration for many of his songs from his time in the Ureweras.
Temuera Morrison said it was "a big thing" to have so many people want to pay their respects and he had been surprised at the number so far.
"These things are humbling."
Chinese ambassador for New Zealand Limin Zhang also paid his respects, laid a wreath, gave a speech and sang a song. He had been looking forward to meeting Sir Howard at yesterday's celebrations to mark 60 years of the People's Republic of China at RAVE. Sir Howard was involved in organising the event and was to speak.
Monty Morrison said people wishing to pay their respects to Sir Howard should expect delays of up to two hours getting on to the marae.
Sir Howard died on Thursday morning as a result of a heart attack in his home in Korokai St. He was 74.