He graduated from Auckland University with a Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Laws Degree and went on to work for the Maori Affairs Department.  In 1991 he was employed as Chief Executive Officer of Waipareira Trust.

 John entered Parliament in 1999 and served as a Cabinet Minister in the Labour Government from 2002 to 2004. He held several portfolios during his time in Parliament, ranging from Minister of Youth Affairs to Minister of Land Information and Associate Minister of Maori Affairs.

Having served on several boards in the past these include the Waitakere Licensing Trust, Te Putea Whakatupu, the Independent Maori Statutory Board and Maori Television. He is also Lead Negotiator & Chairperson for his hapu.

Currently John is President of Te Pāti Maori, CEO for Te Whanau O Waipareira,, the National Urban Maori Authority and Whanau Ora Commissioning Agency.

Dedicated to advocating for the rights and mana of Maori, he remains committed to ensuring the work of our forebears is continued beyond through the development of our rangatahi and future leadership.