Historian Don Stafford CBE MBE spent most of his long career championing the history and heritage of his beloved city, Rotorua. He authored numerous books, including the award winning Te Arawa: AHistory of the Arawa People, and, as the city’s official historian, two major books on the history of Rotorua area.
The performer Howard Morrison – who died in Rotorua on 24 September 2009 – was one of the legends of New Zealand show business. Known as ‘The Sinatra of New Zealand’ and ‘Ol' Brown Eyes’, he first came to prominence with the Howard Morrison Quartet, formed in 1956 with his brother Laurie, cousin John and Gerry Merito. They had a string of hit-singles in New Zealand and established a reputation as a highly polished live act combining great natural harmonies with humour. They were also regular and popular performers across the Tasman.
Haane Manahi fought in the 28th (Maori) Battalion during the Second World War. He won the Distinguished Conduct Medal (DCM)in Tunisia in 1943 but many thought he should have been awarded the Victoria Cross (VC).
