ABOUT ME

Through my maternal grandfather, Te Rongomau Tiakitai, I am a direct descendant of Tiakitai, an important Waimārama and Ngāti Kurukuru chief during the 1820-1839 tribal wars. I am also a direct descendant of Tiakitai's younger brother Harawira Mahikai Te Tātere who was one of the signatories to Te Tiriti o Waitangi at Waipūreku in 1840 on behalf of Ngāi Te Whatuiāpiti.

Through my father, I affiliate to Ngāti Kahungunu ki Te Wairoa and Ngāti Ruapani through my grandmother Amy Shaw and her parents Te Manapouri Shaw (son of Emere Te Rito, her father being Ropitini) and Effie Lambert (daughter of Bertram Lambert and Pahi Teia Tāmaiāhua) from Te Kūhā Tārewa marae in Waikaremoana.

My maternal grandmother, Te Haumihia-o-te-rangi Te Whaiti is from Pirinoa, Wairarapa and is of Ngāti Hinewaka descent through her father Hohaia-o-te-rangi and grandfather Te Ama-o-te-rangi Te Whaiti. Her mother was Pani Anaru Tūhokairangi, daughter of Mita Anaru Tūhokairangi who were from Te Ore Ore marae and whakapapa into both Rangitāne and Ngāti Kahungunu ki te Wairarapa.

I was born in Hastings to Edward Barber and Marama Tiakitai and live in Waimārama.

I love spending time with my whānau and enjoy sport and outdoor activities, and I'm also active in my church, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

My wife, Myra Christy, affiliates to Manutai and Kahungunu marae in Nūhaka. She is a direct descendant of Hirini Te Rito Whaanga, son of Ngāti Rākaipaaka chief Ihaka Whaanga.

We have seven children and one daughter-in-law and one mokopuna so far.

Representing the Tamatea Rugby Club premier team for over 10 years, I was humbled to receive the 2016 Supreme Award for dedication to the club. Through my kids local school in Waimārama, I have also coached soccer and basketball. I have represented New Zealand in national and overseas bodyboarding championships.

I am a keen horseman, and we have a herd of Angus cattle that we manage on a 150 acre block in Waimārama.