He was born at Kaiwhaiki and was educated at Upokongaro Primary School. He was a labourer and a shearer until he became paralysed. He composed a number of waiata and sung by the people melodies by John Simon. He is from Kaiwhaiki, Wanganui. He wrote another poi song.
Biographical sources
- Phone conversation with Arama Whanarere on 29 and 30 Aug. 1998.
- Whanarere, Ope. “Te Wai o Whanganui/That Rapidly Descends, the River of Wanganui [first line].” Te Ao Hou 24 (1958): 21.