Hone Harawira was born in Whangarei and raised in West Auckland where he attended St Stephens School and Auckland University, but learnt most of his skills in the work force and the ranks of the Māori protest movement.

Hone says he draws his inspiration from people like Muhammad Ali, Syd Jackson, Nelson Mandela, Māori Marsden, his mum and his wife HIlda. From them Hone says has learnt the need for strength, commitment, wisdom and vision - attributes that he has always tried to apply to his roles with whanau, work and community development.

Hone has sharpened his skills and built the networks necessary to be a positive contributor to the revitalisation of the Māori world. In his actions and his deeds, Hone has already shown the courage needed to achieve results for Māori.

His goal is to help Māori people achieve their tino rangatiratanga.