Arapeta was raised at Tawhakarere Bay, Rotoiti amongst his Ngāti Pikiao whanau. This upbringing gave him a strong sense of connection and understanding of Ngāti Pikiao lands. His role as Trustee follows in the footsteps of his koroua Te Atirangi Tahana who was an original trustee in 1971 and his late father, Arapeta Tahana Snr, who served as a trustee from 2000 to 2009.
Arapeta became a Trustee in 2010 as a way of contributing to the protection and development of ancestral lands and to continue the mahi of his father. He is passionate about Māori development from a grass roots perspective, with much of his career focusing on futures planning, economic development and leadership for Māori iwi and organisations.
He brings a wealth of experience as a former a Councillor of the Bay of Plenty Regional Council (Okurei ward) business owner, consultant, community development advisor and though governance roles across a range of sectors. He was also recently appointed to the role of Te Ahurei to guide Rotorua Lakes Council's ongoing relationship with Te Arawa.
