In loving memory

Sir Murray Halberg (ONZ)

7 July 1933 – 30 November 2022

 Sir Murray will be remembered as one of New Zealand’s greatest-ever athletes. The Olympic and Commonwealth gold medal winner also founded the Halberg Foundation. Launched in 1963, the Foundation was set up to enhance the lives of physically disabled young New Zealanders through sport and recreation. 

If you wish to add an acknowledgement to this page, please email [email protected] 

 

  • “Sir Murray would often reflect on the benefits he gained being involved in sport. It is a credit to him that he enabled others to experience those same benefits, through his charity over the past 59 years. Sir Murray was an incredible man who achieved much in his lifetime. The impact of his foundation will continue for many years to come. Our thoughts are with Lady Phyllis and his family.” - Carolyn Steel - Chair, Halberg Foundation

 

  • "A wonderful man who will be sorely missed. Thank you for the incredible difference you made to the lives of Kiwis living with Cerebral Palsy, and Kiwis living with a disability. Our condolences to Murray's family and the team at the Halberg Foundation." Cerebral Palsy Society of New Zealand 
  • "We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Sir Murray Halberg. An incredible, humble man and athlete. AUT Millennium’s flag will fly at half-mast to recognise Sir Murray’s passing." - AUT Millennium 

 

  • Newstalk ZB - Caller of the NightIn memory of Sir Murray Halberg who passed this week, Roman spoke to Lloyd. Lloyd attended university around the time that Murray would train at the Auckland Domain and he would sometimes join Murray and his friends for their training session. While he was never on their level, his skill did improve greatly during his time training alongside them.

 

  • "I would like to acknowledge the passing of Sir Murray Halberg, a great NZer and extend to his family and the staff of the Foundation my sincere sympathy at his passing -  Bruce Ullrich OBE Member of Board of NZOC 1975/95, Vice President NZOC 1990-95, Three times NZ Chef de Mission in the 1980s, in the 1990s led a bid to bring the Winter Olympics to NZ, Foundation President - National Sports Museum Trust of NZ "
  • "He was an absolute gentleman. I worked and sat next to him when he was a courier driver for a freight forwarder later in his life & I had just started working. I had no idea what he had achieved until many years later. He was a humble and kind man." - Tanya Coupe 

 

  • World Athletics is deeply saddened to hear that New Zealand’s 1960 Olympic 5000m gold medallist Sir Murray Halberg died on Wednesday (30) at the age of 89 - World Athletics. 

 

  • The late Sir Murray Halberg in my opinion is one of the greatest sports models of all times. The serious injury he incurred when at school never prevented him from reaching great heights. He brought excitement and sheer joy to families young and old during his national and international athletic career. This was followed by his huge contribution and skill given to young people with and without disabilities over a span of many years. His dedication, selflessness and inspiration on and off the track would be hard to surpass and long remembered. We salute you Sir Murray. Rest in peace. The Rev Wayne Healey Oamaru

 

  • Being a teenager and a keen follower of athletics in the late 1950s and early 1960s, I was privileged to see or hear the events he talks on in real time. Magee’s third place in the marathon in Tokyo in 1960 a great feat in itself. International athletics in that time were historically dominated by northern hemisphere athletes. While most were still amateurs with a great history at Olympic Games, it was noticeable in the post-war years that the Soviet bloc were superior due to being financed by their respective states. New Zealand athletes, many under the tutelage of Arthur Lydiard, held fulltime jobs without government, financial, training, facilities or psychological support. This only enhances the feats of Halberg, Snell and the other notable athletes who flogged the streets of Auckland to succeed in international competition. For anyone wanting to recapture those times I can recommend the book Peter Snell and the Kiwis who Flew, by Vern Walker. This will enlighten you as to how significant the feats of these men and women were in their time. Peter Burn, Gulf Harbour

 

  • My deepest condolences to you & your Team on the passing of Sir Murray. His life had a hugely positive impact on us all. I’m incredibly grateful for this. May his family & close friends find comfort in knowing what a true legend he was. - Penni Schaare

  • We heard about Murray, and we wanted to pass on our condolences. Just wanted you to know our team are thinking of you all at this time. Kind regards, Meredith Drucker – The Events Group

  • Letter from ISPS Handa
  • Letter from Joyce Fisher 
  • Letter from Hon Priyanca Radhakrishnan, Minister for Youth