Last rites for slain 'Georgie Girl' 27.12.2002

 

The funeral of a cross-dresser beaten to death with a softball bat took place yesterday while the gang member wanted in connection with the attack continued to evade police.

The tangi for George "Georgie Girl" Matehaere was held atthe Taamaki Makaurau marae near Auckland Airport.

Mr Matehaere, who preferred to be known as a woman, was bashed in an Otahuhu state housing complex 11 days ago. He died in hospital six days later.

Police have been hunting Black Power gang member Joe Coleman. The 39-year-old grandfather, known as "Bucket", has refused to give himself up. His wife and 12-year-old son are believed to be with him.

Coleman is described as "fat", 1.8m tall with the words "Mangu Kaha" - a chapter of Black Power - and a fist tattooed on his forehead