Singer, Actor. Born Inia Morehu Tauhia Watene Iarahi Waihurihia Te Wiata (originally Te Iwiata) in 1915 of parents who were from the "Ngati Raukawa" Tribe, he became a Bass Profundo at the age of 14, which allowed him to join groups to help his mother make ends meet after his father's death from influenza in 1918. He went on to become one of New Zealand's (Aotearoa) most loved singers of the 20th century. He appearing in several motion pictures, including "In Search of the Castaways", "Pacific Destiny", "Man of the Moment", and "Land of Fury". He sang at major opera houses in London and Europe, and pursued his love of carving. His daughter Rima grew to be one of New Zealand's and Australia's most popular actresses. He died of pancreatic cancer in 1971. As it was not practical in those days to transport remains back to New Zealand from London, he was cremated, and returned to Otaki, his home town. His biography "Most Happy Fella" was published by his wife in 1976.
Singer, Actor. Born Inia Morehu Tauhia Watene Iarahi Waihurihia Te Wiata (originally Te Iwiata) in 1915 of parents who were from the "Ngati Raukawa" Tribe, he became a Bass Profundo at the age of 14, which allowed him to join groups to help his mother make ends meet after his father's death from influenza in 1918. He went on to become one of New Zealand's (Aotearoa) most loved singers of the 20th century. He appearing in several motion pictures, including "In Search of the Castaways", "Pacific Destiny", "Man of the Moment", and "Land of Fury". He sang at major opera houses in London and Europe, and pursued his love of carving. His daughter Rima grew to be one of New Zealand's and Australia's most popular actresses. He died of pancreatic cancer in 1971. As it was not practical in those days to transport remains back to New Zealand from London, he was cremated, and returned to Otaki, his home town. His biography "Most Happy Fella" was published by his wife in 1976.
Bio by: Jeff J
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