He is Pacific health development manager with the Hawke's Bay District Health Board and has taught at Hastings Boys' High School and William Colenso College, working with staff, Pacific students and their families.
Through his role as co-director and leader of the USO Bike Ride, he spreads the USO message of regular health checks for Pacific and Maori whanau.
USO has cycled in Hawaii, Samoa and around New Zealand, providing weekly rides year round for cyclists of all abilities in Hawke's Bay.
"I think for me it is not in any particular thing because I have done a lot of things across different communities but it is seeing many of the former students that I have touched in Hawke's Bay through Hastings Boys' High School coming along and being great leaders themselves today in the community.
"Of course not everything is attributed to just me but it is nice to know that in some way I could have helped to influence people to do really well for themselves and their families in their communities, especially in Flaxmere."
His other roles include trust board member at St Joseph's Maori Girls' College, chairman of the EIT Pacific Reference Group and a member of the Ministry of Education Pacific reference group.
He aims to inspire men and women to make cycling an active part of their lifestyle.
"I guess it is encouraging more parents, especially, to lead by example and it is in all facets of health; physical, mental, spiritual, religious and cultural aspects of health that make up an important dimension of good health and well being for pacific people."
He wanted to acknowledge Henare and Pam O'Keefe for their work and believed there were "many other inspirational Pacific leaders who have been helping our families in Flaxmere for many years and their work has gone unseen across mainstream".