It was while scrolling online, Hata came across an ad asking for contestants for the reality show.
"Free holiday, free beer and the opportunity to win some money – who wouldn't sign up?" Hata said.
During filming, Hata said there were a number of occasions he had to bite his tongue.
"I'm a pretty straight up guy and normally just say what I'm thinking but, unlike when I'm hanging out with mates and I can just take the piss, I couldn't really do that on the island.
"Some of the other contestants kind of got all upset if their feelings were hurt."
Asked if people were recognising him in Tauranga where he works as an electrical fitter, Hata laughed and said people were calling him "that Māori Brad Pitt".
"Seriously though? Nah. Apart from my workmates giving me heaps every day, nobody has recognised me at all.
Born and raised in Whakatāne, Hata's bio says he loves the ocean and being outdoors, and is also a keen boxer. He is often seen working out on a punching bag on the island.
His ideal woman is confident, beautiful, fun, charismatic and driven, but he would not divulge whether he found her on Heartbreak Island.
Rotorua woman Charice Paterson is also a 2019 Heartbreak Island contestant.
