Newspaper Article 2015 – A man of the people during nation’s toughest times

A man of the people during nation’s toughest times

Tamehana (Tom) Morrison
September 15, 1941-April 23, 2015

OBITUARY

Tamehana Morrison will be remembered as a “man of the people”. A man who dedicated his life to caring for his family and staunchly supporting his fellow workers through some of the nation’s toughest times.

Having spent 45 years in Hawke’s Bay, Tamehana spent 20 years standing shoulder to shoulder with fellow workers at the Tomoana freezing works, encouraging young workers to focus on safety while lifting the spirits of all who met him over the years.

Tamehana was a keen sportsman and member of the Hastings squash club, the Flaxmere Falcons rugby league club and helped to raise tug-o-war off the floor (assisted by the Clive tug-o-war team).

During his life, Tamehana held many roles and, with the help of his family and friends, organised Flaxmere’s famous blue light discos at the local intermediate and was a long-time supporter of the Hui Aranga movement.

Tamehana’s 20 years at the works were spent as a labourer and later as a union organiser, after becoming the labourers delegate, a position which he held until its demise in 1994.

It was during the traumatic eight-week strike at the Tomoana works when those in the community came to see Tamehana’s quiet strength, determination and compassion.

He used his skills as an organiser to help set up a nerve centre ensuring that workers’ families did not go hungry.

Tamehana and his fellow trade unionists worked together to distribute weekly food parcels, helped organise fundraisers and food-drives and actively sought support from the local credit union.

Ehara taku toa, he takitahi, he toa takitini.

Together they stood, in solidarity and it was that solidarity which gave them the strength and fortitude to continue.

Tamehana’s organisational skills were once again put to the test when Tomoana was finally closed in 1994. He helped co-ordinate and support those shocked from the sudden and full- scale lay-offs that took place.

Tamehana worked with Michael Laws and Rick Barker, during this time, to ensure there was assistance in place for the 1214 workers left without jobs.

It was during this time that Tamehana became close friends with the late Jeremy Dwyer. “Tom and Jerry” as they were affectionately known worked together to ensure that workers at Tomoana were given support.

They were proactive in their approach and found work for those made redundant by sourcing odd jobs with local orchardists and farmers.

Tamehana is survived by his beloved wife Rewa of 56 years, six children, 13 grandchildren, three great grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren. Tamehana leaves a legacy never to be forgotten and will be remembered by all who loved him as a true man of the people.

LOCAL HERO: Tamehana Morrison
PHOTO/SUPPLIED