Temuera Morrison pays tribute to Sir Howard

A man who took an interest in the careers of all his whanau is how Hollywood actor Temuera Morrison will remember his uncle Sir Howard Morrison, who died today.

Sir Howard, 74, who had a history of heart problems, died at his home in Rotorua this morning. He had just returned from a holiday in Rarotonga.

Tem Morrison, star of several Hollywood blockbusters and noted for his memorable role as Jake The Muss in Once Were Warriors, said Sir Howard's health had varied recently.

"He hadn't been 100 percent for quite some time," Morrison said. "He had been up and down, and lately had been more up than down."

Sir Howard most recent public comment was that his DVD was outselling a Michael Jackson pressing.

"He was having a renewed interest in his music."

Citing a huge impact on his career, Temuera Morrison said Sir Howard influenced the talented Morrison family.

"We were all brought up together," he said. "So he groomed us to the industry in a kind of way. We are a big close family - all of our upbringing involved his big show with a close singing family. We were groomed at a young age - the entertainment genes, the showmanship and the voice as well went with it."

While Sir Howard took an interest the careers of all of his family, "he always had that ability to put you on the straight road again.

"We are what we are in terms of our performance with the family because of our uncles and our aunties."

The family enclave was important to Sir Howard.

Well versed in affairs of the day, Sir Howard was also a "pretty good rugby player," Temuera Morrison said.

"He had a comb in his back for the halftime break - he was one of those players with not a hair out of place, and no one could catch him!"

Family spokesman and nephew Monty Morrison said phones had been running hot since news of Sir Howard's death became public.

"We've being trying to contact the family, who are all around the world at the moment," Monty Morrison said.

They include Rotorua Deputy Mayor, Trevor Maxwell, who is in Jamaica.

It is understood Sir Howard's funeral will be held at Ohinemutu on Tuesday.

- © Fairfax NZ News