Tamihere previously co-hosted a talkback show, Willie & JT, on Radio Live with Willie Jackson. He is well known for his trenchant political commentaries on television, radio and through other media. Tamihere and Jackson also have a New Zealand current affairs debate-based TV show, "The world according to Willie and JT". In 2007, Tamihere and Jackson ran for the mayoralties in Waitakere City and Manukau City respectively. Both were unsuccessful, Tamihere finishing second behind the incumbent, Bob Harvey. From 2011 to 2012, he hosted the TV3 show "Think Tank" that dealt with issues affecting New Zealanders and particularly those of importance to Maori.