Background
Matai was born and raised in Gisborne, New Zealand and later moved to Auckland when he began working in Television.
Matai was born and raised in Gisborne, New Zealand and later moved to Auckland when he began working in Television.
Matai was first seen as a host on children"s show Pukana, an educational/variety show written entirely in Māori. He is better known as host of Korero Mai and Whanau, a drama series that teaches the Maori language to viewers. Matai has since hosted live karaoke show Homai Te Paki Paki, as well as appearing as a regular host on Good Morning between 2007 and 2012.
He is one of very few personalities who has worked for most of New Zealand"s main national television networks, including Māori Television, Television New Zealand and TV3.