Thomas connects to Ngāti Hauiti through his mother Cynthia Curtis (nee O’Halloran), Thomas’ grandmother was Daisy Te Au O’Halloran (nee Potaka), her father was Pape Epiha Potaka the eldest son of Utiku and Rora Potaka.

His grandmother and grandfather on his mother’s side had 12 children, his grandmother and grandfather on his father’s side had 15 children.  Thomas’ mother and father had 7 children together; Thomas is the eldest boy in his family. Thomas and his siblings used to spend holidays in the Rangitīkei when he was young, with his cousins in Ohingaiti.

Thomas’ interests are Kapa Haka, the environment and electric vehicles.  Previously, Thomas has completed in Triathlon’s; more like completing rather than competing.  He started with Iron Maori in Taranaki also did the Whanau Tri Palmerston North and one in Otaki. These days he spends some of his spare time practising Yoga in its many forms at City Fitness in Kapiti.

Professionally Thomas has over 40 years of I.T. experience going back to “Big Iron” mainframes.

Thomas represents Ngāti Hauiti on a number of boards such as the Mōkai Pātea Waitangi Claims Trust,  Te Roopu Ahi Kaa, Rākautaonga Whenua Tōpū Trust, Te Pātiki Holdings and Te Maru o Ruahine Trust.

Another trust Thomas belongs to is the Potaka Whānau Trust of which he is the current Chairperson. This trust takes care of Potaka Whānau land interests.

Thomas will be stepping down from a number of trusts to focus on Mōkai Patea Waitangi Claims Trust but will remain on  an Iwi Trust such as  Te Maru o Ruahine Trust, he will also remain on Te Rūnanga o Ngati Hauiti.