In the 1980s he served as principal of Hato Petera College and then became vice-principal of Auckland's Teachers College.
In the 1990s he became Director of Primary Education at the Auckland College of Education, before becoming faculty dean and deputy vice-chancellor at AUT.
Received an education at St Michael's College (Rotorua) and St Peter's Maori College (Auckand) before heading to Ardmore Teachers' College and the University of Auckland. He graduated with a Diploma of Teaching in 1972, and then with a Master of Arts degree in 1980.
In 2012 he was appointed chair of Iwi Education Authority for Nga Kura a Iwi o Aotearoa, which represents Maori language immersion schools.
Was the chair of the Maori broadcasting advisory committee, which led to Aotearoa Radio, iwi radio stations and Whakaata Maori. He served as chair Te Mangai Paho in 1997.
Served the Te Arawa Lakes Trust for 16 years before stepping down as chair in April 2022.
Youngest of fifteen siblings.
He was knighted for services to Maori education in 2014.
In 2005 he graduated with a PhD from the University of Auckland for his "investigation of how Hawaiki knowledge is fundamental for Maori leadership.".
Proud Maori of the Ngati Pikiao and Ngati Rongomai kaumatua.