Witarina Harris rests in public view

Rotorua Review

PORTRAIT: Flaming a portrait of Witarina Harris are artist Peter Caley, left, and Witarina's youngest surviving brother, Sonny Mitchell.

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A canvas which tells the story of a legendary Rotorua figure was unveiled in public on  Thursday night.

A sumptuous oil portrait of Witarina Harris by Peter Caley, commissioned by Sir Howard Morrison, a nephew, was shown to close family and friends and invited guests at the Rotorua District Council's chambers.

Mrs Harris died last year, aged 101, on June 10, the 121st anniversary of the Mt Tarawera eruption. Mrs Harris was an early film star, worked for Sir Apirana Ngata and started the Maori Women's Welfare League in Wellington.

Mr Caley began his painting before Mrs Harris died, meeting her on several occasions which facilitated his rendering. He told the Review the portrait was almost completed before Mrs Harris died, and she had given her approval of the work in progress.

On Thursday, Rotorua Mayor Kevin Winters said Mrs Harris was "very special to all of you" and was a "real treasure".

Sonny Mitchell, Mrs Harris' youngest living brother, said the unveiling gave him great pleasure and she would have been proud of the painting.

Sir Howard said he hoped that eventually a suitable place would be found for its final rest, suggesting it sit alongside the huge Pukaki carving in the RDC nexus between the chambers and main body of offices.

He also noted the presence of two other prominent Rotorua identities  decorated WWII Spitfire pilot Jack Stafford and his historian brother, Don  "a fine pair of bookends", Sir Howard said.

Mrs Harris' son, Stuart, said to see his mother on canvas framed in gold was a "great honour".

"It is so humbling to see she has been brought back to life."
To Mr Caley, the artist, he said: "You have indeed done great in presenting my mother this way."

Mr Caley said that in time he knew "the painting will become part of our national heritage".

- © Fairfax NZ News