Poihaere Virginia Morris (nee Waikato)

11th June 1953 – 26th October 2024

This morning, surrounded by her whānau, Poihaere Virginia Morris slipped away peacefully at Whakatāne Hospital. She is now at peace with te Atua, her tūpuna, and whānau kei tua o te ārai: mokopuna a Nane Waikato (dec of Ngā Maihi) rāua ko Puti Waikato nee Wātarawi (dec of Ngāti Pūkeko), kōtiro a Betty Waikato (dec), hoa rangatira o John Morris (dec) and Daniel Evans (dec).

Poihaere lit up every room with her happy-go-lucky, vivacious bubbly spirit and infectious laughter. She was deeply cherished by her gardening, taha wairua, environment and mobility communities, who knew her as a bright, funny, and kind soul. In true Poihaere style, she would insist that everyone wear bright colours to her farewell!

Beloved mother and "jackrabbit with octopus’ arms" of Elizabeth, treasured nanny of Panapa, and adored great nanny to her mokopuna tuarua. A beloved tuakana and tuahine to all her siblings.

Poihaere is currently lying in state at Gateway Funeral Services, 4 Ranfurly Court, Kawerau, where family and friends are welcome to pay their respects. Her service will be held at 1 pm on Monday, 28th October, after which she will be laid to rest at Te Matariua Urupā, Te Māpou, SHW 30, Te Teko.  All extended whānau and friends are invited to honour and celebrate her life in colour, just as she would have wanted.