MaraeMelbourne

On Friday February 5 the people of Melbourne flocked to the Melrose Function Centre to share the 80th birthday of our kaumatua "Koro George Hallett". The event was an evening filled with love, laughter and song. Koro George has been a dedicated servant to the people of Melbourne for over 30 years, and the evening was an opportunity for the people to give back to their much loved uncle and give back they did. The birthday was attended by 485 people from kaumatua down to rangatahi. So many speakers lined up to take their turn and pay respect to Koro that speeches lasted more than two hours. Waiata and haka filled the grand ballroom and one of the most touching moments was when Koro joined his group Taku Mana as they took everyone on a journey back in time with his songs taught many years ago to the rangatahi of that day, who are now the leaders of today's groups.

Koro George, through his whanau, announced that he is now looking forward to moving permanently back to Hallet's Bay on the shores of Lake Taupo. In his words though "I want to ensure my work is complete when I return" and he set a challenge to have Melbourne's Marae completed in two years.

The challenge has been accepted by MaraeMelbourne and within 24 hours of the challenge going out, Senior Executive Members met to consolidate the strategy. Unifying the community is a top priority moving forward and on Sunday February 7, Koro stood before a gathering of whanau and community members pledging his full and 100% support to MaraeMelbourne.

We love you Koro and will work tirelessly to ensure the dream of Melbourne is realised within the two years you have given us to achieve it.