Tawera began his career with the Otahuhu Leopards and the York Wasps. In 1989, Tawera joined the Sheffield Eagles. Tawera played 8 games for Sheffield (4 tries). In 1991, Tawera joined the Castleford Tigers. Tawera was a member of Castleford’s; 1992 Challenge Cup Final and 1994 Premiership Final. In 1995, Tawera joined the Cronulla Sharks. Tawera left Castleford in 1996 after 165 games (25 tries). Tawera played 61 games for Cronulla over 3 seasons (4 tries). In 1998, Tawera joined the Melbourne Storm. Tawera was a member of Melbourne’s 1999 premiership team. Tawera played 53 games for Melbourne over 2 seasons (8 tries). In 2000, Tawera joined the Warrington Wolves. Tawera played 59 games over 2 seasons (9 tries).
Tawera played 14 games for Waikato from 1986-87 (2 tries). Tawera played 22 games for Auckland from 1989-93 (7 tries). Tawera played 19 test matches for New Zealand from 1989-97 (4 tries). Tawera played 8 games New Zealand Máori side from 1986-2000 (1 try)., Tawera captained New Zealand Máori at the World Cup.
In 2004, Tawera coached the Wai-Coa-Bay Stallions. Tawera coached New Zealand Máori from 2004-05
Tawera previously worked for Máori television and Sky Sports New Zealand.
From 2010-11 Tawera served as a selector for the New Zealand Kiwis.
In 1990, Tawera won the Rothville Trophy as Auckland player of the year. In 2006, Tawera was awarded as a member of the New Zealand Order of Merit. In 2008, Tawera was inducted as a New Zealand Legend of League. Tawera is a member of Castleford’s Hall of Fame.