Buddy Mikaere has has whakapapa links to Ngati Pukenga, Ngati Ranginui, Ngati Pikiao and Tuhoe. He has an environmental consultancy with a national client base specialising in infrastructure projects. He has published widely and with White Cloud Books has edited Taonga Tuku Iho and written Te Maiharoa and the Promised Land and the hugely popular Victory at Gate Pa? in association with fellow author Cliff Simons.