[4] Prior to running for parliament, Tirikatene worked as a commercial lawyer with Simpson Grierson and in a variety of Māori economic development roles.

[7] That year, New Zealand First won all Māori electorates, with Rana Waitai beating Tirikatene and Tu Wyllie defeating Whetu Tirikatene-Sullivan.

[18] When the Labour Party formed a coalition government in 2017, Tirikatene was appointed chairperson of the Māori Affairs select committee.

[18] During the 2020 general election, Tirikatene was re-elected by a margin of 6,855 votes, retaining Te Tai Tonga for Labour.

[23] Following the formation of the National-led coalition government in late November 2023, Tirikatene became spokesperson for corrections and land information in the Shadow Cabinet of Chris Hipkins.

[24] On 5 December 2023, Tirikatene was granted retention of the title The Honourable, in recognition of his term as a member of the Executive Council.