Background
He is the grandson of Sir Eruera Tirikatene and the nephew of Whetu Tirikatene-Sullivan.
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Rino Tirikatene
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Career
He comes from a family with a strong political history. Born in Rangiora, Tirikatene affiliates to the Ngāi Tahu and Ngāti Hine iwi. As such, the name Tirikatene is for many voters synonymous with the Māori electorate that covers the southern part of New Zealand.
Tirikatene stood for Labour in Te Puku O Te Whenua in the 1996 election.
His father, Rino Tirikatene senior, was originally selected for the seat but died suddenly on the campaign trail. Tirikatene was asked to replace his father.
He was selected to represent Labour in the Te Tai Tonga electorate on 1 December 2010. Te Tai Tonga is one of the seven Māori electorates, covers the South Island plus Wellington and is New Zealand"s largest electorate by area.
In the New Zealand general election, 2011, Tirikatene was placed at number 45 on the Labour Party list.
He contested the Te Tai Tonga electorate against the incumbent, Rahui Katene of the Māori Party. Labour"s selection of Tirikatene was criticised as cynical by Katene, as they are both from the same hapū, but this was rejected by Tirikatene, as "all Maoris connect up somewhere along the line". The electorate had previously been held by Labour, from 1999 until 2005.
Tirikatene significantly increased his majority in the 2014 election.
He is currently the Labour spokesperson for customs and fisheries, and associate spokesperson for regional development.
Achievements
Membership
He is a member of the Labour Party.
