These experiences set the foundation for his lifelong dedication to serving Ngāti Porou and advocating for Māori cultural preservation and autonomy.

Parata's influence extends into cultural advocacy through his role as chair of Te Matatini, New Zealand's premier kapa haka festival, since 2008.

Under his guidance, Te Matatini has grown significantly, securing substantial government funding to support the development of kapa haka and Māori performing arts at all levels.

After leaving school, he worked in various jobs before being appointed as the cultural officer for the Gisborne region in the Department of Maori Affairs when he was 25 years old.

[3] In the 2023 King's Birthday and Coronation Honours, Parata was appointed a Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit, for services to Māori.