A descendant of Ngāti Ruanui, Ngāti Porou and Ngāi Tūhoe Whetu studied at the University of Waikato and graduated in 2010 with a Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Management Studies majoring in Economics. In 2011 he graduated with Master of Laws (First Class Honours) specialising in indigenous governance, Māori economic development and corporate law. His study was assisted by being a successful recipient of the School of Law Post-Graduate scholarship, Ngā Pae o Te Māramatanga Internship and several iwi and other grants.  

Whetu currently works as a project manager for Greenstone Group based in the Waikato / Bay of Plenty area. His role includes negotiation and relationship manangement, advisory, consturtction and building and secretariant duties. 

Whetu is married to Trudy and they have two son's Mordecai and Te Whetu.