He has a Master of Business Administration with distinction from the University of Waikato.  Sam is involved with the Treaty settlement process for the country’s largest iwi, Ngāpuhi, and has extensive experience in working with Māori and non-Māori organisations alike. 

Sam currently works in local government, a sector with which he has been associated for more than 25 years.  His local government experience includes an overseas appointment as a council CEO in Australia’s Northern Territory.  Sam was elected to Skills Active’s Board in May 2007.  Sam has been involved with Skills Active since the incorporation of Sfrito.