Mr Tapine, who describes himself as "a people person", has been actively involved in issues that affect the region and the city in the three years he has been working in Maraenui.
Working at the "frontline of the housing crisis", he has been involved with groups who assist the homeless, he helped mobilise the local "No to Amalgamation" campaign and has made submissions to council on behalf of various groups he works with.
With a Bachelor of Business, his work experience includes being owner of a small business, contract management, customer service and sales, employment brokering and facilitating youth and adult education.
Proudly Māori, of Kahungunu descent, a father and grandfather, he is chairman of his marae, Te Reinga, inland from Wairoa and has years of voluntary service including governance on numerous charitable trusts around Hawke's Bay.