Haare Puke was born in July 1925 at Tauhei, Waikato, and was educated at Hamilton Technical College. He joined the Army in 1945 but did not serve overseas and during the post war years he was an outstanding rugby player who played alongside the likes of George Nepia, Monita Delamare, Ben Couch and many others. He also excelled in athletics - namely the 100 yard sprint and hop skip and jump. He attended the Mormon huitau held at Turangawaewae in 1938 & 1939 with his mother and is a strong believer and follower of the Church.