Mr Victor Walker, of Tolaga Bay, ONZM, for services to the Māori community
Mr Victor Walker, of Tolaga Bay, ONZM, for services to the Māori community.
Victor Walker has supported and facilitated Māori hui and Marae-based wananga programmes in Uawa since 1985. As Chairman of Te Aitanga a Hauiti Centre of Excellence Trust, he has led the design and implementation of iwi, hapu, marae and school learning opportunities and pathways. He is Chairman of Uawa Cultural Haka Groups, providing significant leadership and cultural support, composing songs based on tradition, tapestry and history. As Chairman of E Tipu Kohanga Reo Uawa, he is focussed on ensuring the survival and revitalisation of the language. He has provided community-led initiatives as Chair of Uawanui Sustainability Project, enabling long-term economic, environmental and social benefits. Mr Walker is Chairman of the Uawa ANZAC Committee, successfully leading the refurbishment of the headstones at the Uawa Soldiers Plot, acknowledging the dual heritage.