Rawiri grew up in the Western Bay of Plenty area where he attended Te Puke High School. Here he developed his love of whakairo, mainly carving rakau. 

Rawiri worked under renowed artist Rangi Kipa for two years, working with different mediums. Since early 2020 Rawiri was taken under the wing of master carver Niki Nepia and has been furthering his skills at Puawai Jade. 

Ko Maungapohatu toku maunga
Ko Whirinaki toku awa
Ko Mataatua toku waka
Ko Ngai Tuhoe toku iwi
Ko Te Arawa toku hapu
Ko Tane nui arangi toku marae
Ko Tutakangahau te rangatira
Ko Rawiri Eruera Hulton ahau