He was a member of the New Zealand Legislative Council from 22 May 1903 to 21 May 1910, when his term ended. He was appointed by the Liberal Government, and was a Minister without Portfolio and a Member of the Executive Council from 22 June 1903 to 21 June 1906 in the Seddon Ministry and 21 June 1906 to 6 August 1906 in the interim Hall-Jones Ministry. During his time on the Legislative Council, he delegated the kingship to his younger brother Te Wherowhero Tawhiao.
