Manu is of Māori (Ngāti Whātua, Te Taou, Te Uri o Hau), Samoan and Cook Island (Pukapuka) descent. He has worked in executive roles in health, social services, counselling and the justice sectors throughout Aotearoa and overseas. More recently Manu has worked with organisations to strategise, engage and deliver quality cultural services to and with Māori and Pasifika communities.