Watene descends from Ngāti Kahungunu ki te Wairoa but was raised in the heart of Te Mahunua – The McKenzie country. He is currently based in Ōtautahi where he works for New Zealand Māori Golf and Golf New Zealand. 

Watene has spent over seven years in the recreation industry across both local government and regional sport trusts. He has also spent time as Co-Chair of the Generate NZ network. Watene advocates strongly for recreation and physical activity, and ensuring everyone can access recreational opportunities when and how they want to.

He is excited by the journey Recreation Aotearoa is on to bring Te Whai Oranga to life, and looks forward contributing to a sector that gives so much to its local communities.