James Barnes is of Pākehā decent, with cultural links to the Wairarapa, Auckland and Tauranga. James grew up speaking Māori from a infant through the Kōhanga Reo and Kura Kaupapa Māori , Māori medium schooling. James has completed a masters in the Māori language about composition.
Currently residing in Kirikiriroa/Hamilton, James has worked as a Cultural Supervisor, Treaty of Waitangi and Māori Cultural Educator.