Born in Wairoa New Zealand in 1982, Ray, schooled in Wellington and Auckland, holidayed on the river banks and in the shearing sheds of Te Reinga in Wairoa. He studied at the prestigious Maori boys Catholic boarding school, Hato Paora College, where he was grounded in Maori cultural performance, protocol, and arts, including carving. He pursued his passion in 2002, attaining a certificate in Māori Arts at the Auckland University of Technology (AUT), and by 2006 a sculptor was formed, graduating from AUT with a Bachelor of Art & Design degree majoring in Sculpture. Fast forward 10 years after shows in the Kaipara coast Doing international shows as far as Houston U.S, New Orleans, Sydney Australia, and the last local show in Auckland City. Based in Omori Kuratau creating new works and collaborating with other artists and engineers.