Born & raised in Flaxmere, Hawkes Bay. Emceeing since the early 90's. Joined a group Tribal Syndicate in 99' which is still currently active. Tipene is known for his sharp delivery using both Te Reo Maori (Native language of NZ) and the english language along side one another delivered with crystal clear tones which has earned him the status of Hawkes Bay’s premier MC. Nov. 2005 Tipene was nominated for”Emerging Maori Artist of the year” by The NZ Arts Foundation which had been previously won by Kiesha Castle Hughes