George Hallet (Kaumatua)

Ngati Tuwharetoa

Since his retirement in 1991, George Te Whakaotinga Hallett or “Koro George” as he is affectionately known, has worked tirelessly as a Maori kaumatua (elder) and leader within his own Maori community. He provides valuable community service work in his own time, visiting individuals and families in hospitals, juvenile justice units, prisons and family homes.

Koro George has lived in Australia since March 1978 becoming an Australian Citizen in 2003. He has taken a leading role in the Maori community as respected kaumatua and minister of the church.

He has also been involved with the Altona Migrant Resource Centre serving as a representative member of the Maori community and has assisted with the restoration of Maori carvings which now stand in the gateway entrance to Bayside College in Altona.

Koro George provided support to the South Pacific Foundation during the submission of a paper to the Victorian Parliament Law Reform Committee in relation to changes to the Coroners Act 1985, subsequently giving evidence to the Victorian Parliament Law Reform Committee to support the submission presented on behalf of the Pasifika communities. At that hearing the Select Committee indicated that two of the submissions presented will be tabled as recommendations to Parliament in regards to the reform of the Coroners Act 1985. His experience and advice as a Maori kaumatua in this process was invaluable.

Despite being over 80 years of age and succumbing to illness in recent years, Koro George can still be found administering to community needs and being actively involved on the MaraeMelbourne Committee in his role as kaumatua and advisor.

“Ki ahau nei, no mai rano tenei Kaupapa kia tu he Marae mo te iwi Maori o Melbourne. I te wa e ora ana ahau ka awhi ahau i tenei kaupapa tae noa kia puawai te moemoea”

“For me, there has always been one kaupapa for Melbourne and for our people – marae. This is the kaupapa that will have my full support, no matter what and I hope to see this dream come to pass in my lifetime.”