Russell Harrison (Te Rarawa/Ngāti Hine) is a celebrated New Zealand entertainer known for his powerful voice and commanding stage presence.
He began performing at age nine and rose to national prominence as a soul and R'n'B singer, appearing in musicals such as Grease, West Side Story, and Oklahoma, as well as films including What Becomes of the Broken Hearted and Mt Zion. From 2001 to 2013, he became a familiar face on New Zealand television as a presenter.
Russell has performed internationally across Asia and the Pacific, toured on Cunard and Princess Cruises, and entertained with groups such as The Brown Brothers, The Howard Morrison Trio, and The Hit Men.
A graduate with a Master’s in Māori Indigenous Leadership (with Distinction), he is currently completing his PhD at the University of Canterbury. He remains a familiar presence on Māori Television and across major events around Aotearoa.