May 14, 2014
Kapa haka giant dies
One of the giants of kapa haka is being mourned around the country.
Morvin Te Anatipa Simon of Te Atihaunui a Paparangi died yesterday morning in Wellington Hospital. He was in his 70th year.
The former Hato Paora teacher and Maori Affairs community officer was known as an orator, a poet and a composer of much-loved waiata such as Te Aroha.
At the first national symposium celebrating haka excellence in 2012 he and Te Waka Huia leader Ngapo Wehi were awarded honorary degrees for their outstanding involvement in the Maori performing arts.
He and his wife Kura tutored the Whanganui River kapa Te Matapihi, as well as an over-50s group Te Taikura o Te Awa Tupua.
Che Wilson of Ngati Rangi, who worked closely with Mr Simon, says Uncle Morv will be missed.
"Because of his influence not only within the tribes that hes from but also the Catholic church and especially the kapa haka world where he not only wrote numerous songs for his own people but for Hato Paora and clubs around the country" he says
Morvin Simon is survived by his wife Kura and 11 children.
Copyright © 2014, UMA Broadcasting Ltd