Gerry Merito

Gerald Kereti Merito (b Whakatane, August 16, 1938, married twice, d Waihoa, January 26, 2009), was a New Zealand singer and guitarist, and one of the original members of the Howard Morrison Quartet.

Merito was a farm boy from Whakatāne and a Tuhoe tribe member.

In 1999 Merito received the Benny Award from the Variety Artists Club of New Zealand Inc, the highest honour available to a New Zealand variety entertainer.

He died aged 70, after playing at the Waihau Hotel. Merito has two sons, Daniel and Ben and his wife Dorothy Ohlson.