[1] After serving in the air force in the late 1950s, Waaka began his show business career[3] and was a founding member of the Quin Tikis.
[5][6] The trio then joined with Matti Kemp, John Clarke and Hector Epae,[7] forming the Maori Volcanics Showband in 1964.
[4] Waaka was a member of a number of other show bands, including the Maori Premiers and the New Zealand Impacts Showband, and formed the eponymous Gugi Walker Quartet.
[citation needed] Between 2002 and 2007 Waaka performed at the annual Aotearoa Māori Sports Awards, providing post-awards entertainment.
[1] Following his death from heart problems on 5 July 2014, Waaka's body lay in state at Papakura Marae.