Kapa Haka and song rang out around Ohinemutu in Rotorua today as thousands paid tribute to Taini Morrison.

The well known Kapa Haka performer and teacher died on Monday aged 51.

People from all over New Zealand crammed into St Faiths Church, a neighbouring hall where a screen was set up and the courtyard. Hundreds were also already waiting at the cemetery.

As Ms Morrison's body left the church, the many Kapa Haka groups she had given her time to gave her a final performance.

Among those high profile attendees was actor Cliff Curtis, who is friends with Taini Morrison's actor brother Temuera Morrison.