Tapaitau trained with the FBI in the United States before studying law at the University of Auckland.
He served as a Minister in the government of Geoffrey Henry, holding the portfolios of marine resources, broadcasting, police and attorney-general.
In 1997, he was accused by opposition MP Norman George of misappropriating government materials to build a house in his electorate, but was cleared.
[2] He was appointed to the short-lived Cabinet of Joe Williams,[3] but ousted when Terepai Maoate took power.
[7] Despite holding the position of deputy leader of the Democratic Party, he did not contest the 2006 election.