At the first national symposium celebrating haka excellence, Whanganui River kaumatua Morvin Simon, along with another prominent figure in the arts, Dr Ngapo Wehi of Ngai Tuhoe and Te Whakatohea, were acknowledged for their outstanding involvement in kapa haka.
Both men were presented with honorary bachelor degrees in Maori performing arts.
Whakatane-based Maori tertiary institution Te Whare Wananga o Awanuiarangi organised the symposium.
Programme co-ordinator for the Awanuiarangi bachelor of Maori performing arts, Rob Ruha, said Simon and Wehi epitomised haka excellence and cultural stewardship.
People from all over the North Island attended the day long symposium at the Rotorua Convention Centre on 5th November.
Morvin Te Anatipa Simon was born at Kaiwhaiki Marae on the Whanganui River.
He was educated at Upokongaro School and Hato Paora Māori Boys College before going on to study philosophy and sociology at Holy Name College in Christchurch and Māori language and Oral Literature at Victoria and Massey Universities.
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