Thomas Tawera Moana Halbert, was born in 1884 in Manutuke, Gisborne, New Zealand. He is of Maori and Anglo Scottish decent. Thomas went to the first world war as part of the Native Contingent, with his 2 brothers William and some time later Rangi. The all fought in the infamous Gallipolli Campaign. All 3 of them survived the war. Whilst Thomas's 2 brothers went back to NZ, he stayed on in London. He was a BBC journalist & correspondent. He also acted in a number of films including having a small part in the 49th Parallel. He died age 60 and his ashes were returned to his mother and are buried at his place of birth, Manutuke.