Born in Tauranga, Emery moved south to Wellington before ending up in Palmerston North at the age of 13.

[citation needed] While still at school, Emery was signed by the Manawatu Rugby Union, but didn't make his provincial debut until 24 August 2012.

Before that, he went to South Africa to compete at the Junior Rugby World Cup with the New Zealand U20 team, coming in 2nd place.

[citation needed] In October 2012 Emery signed a three-year contract with the Highlanders, starting in the 2013 Super Rugby season.

On 22 April 2016, in his first start during the 2016 Super Rugby season for the Highlanders against the Sharks, within the first 15 minutes Emery was involved in a mid-air collision with opposing fullback Willie le Roux.