Te Hira Cooper (Vice Chairman)

Te Arawa, Ngati Whakaue, Tainui, Ngati Maniapoto

Te Hira (or “T” as he is affectionately known) 26, is of Tainui and Ngati Maniapoto descent through his father and Te Arawa and Ngati Whakaue descent through his mother.   He was born and raised on the West Coast of New Zealand in the Taranaki Region with his formative years spent growing up in the small rural township of Waitara where much of his initial teaching was based on Taranaki and Te Atiawa protocols, teachings and heritage.

He attended boarding school at New Plymouth Boys High School from 1999-2003.  Te Hira’s schooling highlight culminated in the very special achievement of being selected as the first Maori Head Boy in 2003.

Te Hira was fortunate to represent his community, school and country at several international events, the highlight being attending the 2002 World School International Forum held in Tennessee USA.  He is currently one of New Zealand’s Alumni Ambassadors.

After successfully completing his Bursary Qualifications and obtaining University Entrance, Te Hira took a year off in 2004 and embarked on a GAP year, fulfilling his passion for travelling and exploration.  This enabled him to broaden his social horizons and gain a first hand appreciation of the cultural diversities that exist in this world.

Returning ‘downunder’, Te Hira established his base in Melbourne alongside his whanau/family.  He commenced his degree at the prestigious University of Melbourne in 2004 studying a Bachelor of Law.  In 2007 he accepted an International Exchange and attended the University of Nottingham in England for one semester, graduating in 2009 after successfully completing his degree.

Te Hira completed his postgraduate Articles Clerkship with Mallesons Law Firm in Melbourne, subsequently taking up a role with Slater & Gordon Lawyers for two years.

“T”  has since taken a vocational sidestep and is currently the Managing Director for TKT Australia Pty Ltd, a purchasing group and marketing company whose aim is to bring together both ends of the trading and consumer markets in a mutually beneficial environment. TKT Australia is one of three global companies trading in Australia, New Zealand and the Philippines.

“T” became involved in working with MaraeMelbourne in 2010 as the Community and Information Officer, with a focus on building the profile of community involvements amongst its supporters and engaging with the state and municipal sectors of Victoria.  He was elected to the role of Vice-Chairman at the 2011 AGM, a role that brings great challenge and responsibility.  Nevertheless, Te Hira is keen to utilise his knowledge, skills and determination to help MaraeMelbourne and the community realise a very long held dream of many.

“To see the completion of a Marae established in Australia is a dream for so many of our people. I am enthralled to be a part of an organisation entrusted with bringing these dreams to reality. A Marae will bring so much excitement, pride and mana to the community of Melbourne and Australia”.