October 09, 2017
Vera Morgan a century of achievement
A very good innings.
That’s the verdict on Vera Morgan who passed away in her sleep yesterday morning at the age of 100.
The Te Mahurehure kuia was a major presence in Wellington Maori life for decades, being a founder member of Ngati Poneke Young Maori Club, where she met her husband Kiwa Morgan from Te Rarua in Motueka.
She was a stalwart support and fundraiser for Pipitea and Waiwhetu Marae, a powerhouse in the Maori Anglican community and a trailblazer in Maori business.
Her son Paul Morgan says his mother came to Wellington from Waima in Northland as an 18-year old in 1935 to avoid an arranged marriage.
She worked first for a Kelburn family and then at parliament, where she ended up runnng Bellamy’s restaurant.
She later helped run family firms including a construction company and the Downtown Nightclub, as well as becoming involved in a wide range of community activities.
She also had a close involvement with Arohata Women’s Prison, helping inmates make the transition back into society, and served for many years on the Parole Board.
Vera Morgan will be taken to Pipitea Marae on Tuesday Morning and then to Te Awhina Marae in Motueka, with the nehu on Thursday, after which she will be buried alongside her husband Kiwa.
Copyright © 2017, UMA Broadcasting Ltd: www.waateanews.com