His mum ran away to Wellington - Lower Hutt - when she was 16 because there were no opportunities for her in Rotorua.
"Some things haven't changed.
"In the Hutt there was industry through manufacturing. We made cars and cigarettes, toothpaste and plastic bottles.
"Actually, it was Dad's factory that made plastic bottles and mum's that made the toothpaste - which I attribute my healthy smile to.
"They both worked long, hard hours in the factory so that my sisters and I could get an education and not end up on the factory floor next to them."
This led to him being the first in his family to finish high school and also the first to go to Auckland University, where he studied political science and history, receiving an honours degree.
"I was president of the Maori Students Association, I was working in local government for the Auckland Regional Council and was set to write my masters thesis.
"Then one day I got a phone call from a friend that turned my world upside down.
"She said 'they're looking for a guy, who lives in Auckland, is about 24 and can speak some Maori - I think you should try'.
"It sounded like fun, I did it and got the job, and the rest you can Google."
After 10 years on our television screens he decided it was not his real passion.
"So I said goodbye to TVNZ and closed that chapter of my life and walked straight into the office of the Labour Party."
He said standing up for the little guy was in his blood.
"I told the Labour Party I wanted to stand in the 2014 election.
"When they asked where, I said 'Rotorua - naturally'.
"Mum and Dad moved back [to Rotorua] when I left high school and while I've lived in Auckland, Wellington and even Christchurch, my heart is where my parents and my wider family are.
"They told me it would be a hard road because it wasn't a safe seat, but I don't quite think they understood - I'm different.
"I've always been different. It's my point of difference and I wear it proudly on my sleeve."
So what does he do in his spare time?
"I'm an introvert. I like to read books. I like to go on holidays to places I've never been before.
"I like to catch up on movie marathons and TV programmes. I like to read the newspaper."
Overall, he has a real live-and-let-live attitude and loves the simple things in life.
His favourite things - "My house, my onesie, my dogs and my hammock - in that order."
On the other hand, he's not too enamoured with "big noters".
"I don't like people that think that they're better than you. I also detest people that don't look after our planet. We've only got one."
Name: Tamati Gerald Coffey
Family: Partner Tim Smith, Ali the Cavoodle and Anzac the Griffon.
Born and bred: Lower Hutt, Wellington. Whakapapa to Te Atiawa, Te Aitanga A Hauiti, Te Arawa.
Who is your biggest inspiration? Parekura Horomia. A politician who was loved by his people, and someone who taught me you don't have to be a mongrel to get into politics.
If you could make one new law tomorrow, what would it be? I'd stop National issuing permits for mining exploration in the Maui's dolphins habitat, in the Karangahake Gorge and on the side of Mt Tarawera.
Who is New Zealand's best MP? Jacinda Ardern. She is the younger, prettier face of the Labour Party, with big aspirations for the future. She can hold her ground and she knows her stuff. I want to work with Jacinda to make politics cool for the new generation
