Tributes have poured in for Rotorua kapa haka legend Taini Morrison, who died suddenly from a suspected heart condition on Monday.
While many of her Rotorua-based family and friends are celebrating her life at her tangi at Tamatekapua meeting house in Ohinemutu, hundreds more are expected to join the family during
the next few days.
Morrison family spokesman Monty Morrison said hundreds of people had already paid their respects while she lay in state at Te Papa i-o-Uru Marae.
Ms Morrison's funeral will be held at the marae at 11am tomorrow.
Mr Morrison said anyone who wanted to attend was more than welcome.
Members of the Maori Party were also saddened to hear of her sudden death.
Party co-leader Pita Sharples, who is also a kapa haka expert, said he had a huge amount of respect for her.
"I knew Taini from her work with cultural groups throughout Te Arawa, most notably as co-leader of Te Mataarae-i-o-Rehu.
"Her stunning leadership of the triumphal return of Te Arawa to Te Matatini [the national kapa haka competition] was enough to win Taini the title of Kaitataki Wahine Toa [woman leader] this year.
"She performed to a very high standard, with great integrity.
"To many Maori women, Taini was the icon of expression of performing arts," Dr Sharples said.
Waiariki MP Te Ururoa Flavell said she was a mana wahine who epitomised on and off the stage "te ihi, te wehi, te mana".
"It's a real tragedy her death follows that of her aunty Atareta Maxwell two years ago.
"Taini was a true leader within the realm of Te Arawa kapa haka and she was a really humble and genuine person to know," Mr Flavell said.
