Joe was raised in Rotoiti and attended Rotoiti Primary School and Rotorua Lakes High School. After leaving school, Joe joined the NZ Army serving in various roles both in NZ and overseas before retiring in 2004 after 20 years service.
Returning home, Joe developed experience in environmental resource related policy development and planning at both local and regional level, other experiences include working with whanau and hapu governance to build capability that address development issues.
Married to Bybi Clarke (Ngāti Maniapoto/ Ngāi Tahu) with 3 children, Joe is an active member of Te Waiiti Marae and the Ngāti Pikiao Environmental Society.
