Over the years, Reverend Wihapi has worn many hats.
He worked for Maori Affairs from 1956 to 1959 then after two attempts to train as a teacher, he spent about 35 years at NZ Post, including as Te Puke's branch manager.
He was ordained in 1994 as the minister in charge of the Maori missionary arm of Te Puke Anglican Church and he has devoted the rest of his life to the betterment of his people.
"My late mother, who died from breast cancer at age 42 when I was 6, was a staunch Christian. She always wanted me and my late brothers to become priests.
"My older brother and younger brother both were ordained priests before I was, and I just took a very different route and a lot longer to become one."
Reverend Wihapi is cultural adviser at three local schools including at Te Puke High School and has been chairman of Tapuika Iwi Kaumatua Council since 2002.
He has also been a trustee of the Tuhourangi Marae since 2007.
After losing his wife Muriaroha (Susan) to cancer seven years ago, Reverend Wihapi said he filled the huge gap she left by finding more ways to help his community.
He has an artificial left leg after a rugby injury when he was 14, but said he had no intention of hanging up his walking stick anytime soon.
