James was born and raised in Te Hiku o te Ika  in his younger years,  then went off to school in  America.  He has travelled and worked around the world playing rugby but has always returned to Ngati Kuri whanau and whenua and taking on Mahi aroha work.  James has lead trips to all our  outer island Manawatāwhi, Motu o Pao and Rangitāhua.  He is our water  boy and a sae pair of hands out in remote places. He supports the 4th Gen work with Health and Safety.  He is currently home working as the Waitai, Wai Maori lead for all our water systems in Ngati Kuri rohe.   He has a young family and is committed to ensuring his children and others  can experience and have a relationship with their wai and whenua .