Atawhai (Ngāti Porou, Te Whānau a Apanui, Tūwharetoa, Whanganui, Raukawa ki te Tonga) has extensive experience in the public service and has worked as a Manager and a Senior Advisor at a range of agencies including Te Taura Whiri i te Reo, Te Puni Kōkiri, and the Ministry of Education. He has also has experience in the Beehive where he was an advisor to the the Ministers of Education and Māori Affairs.