- 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.
- Uncle of Cliff Curtis.
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