Stuart W. Twemlow was born and raised in New Zealand where he received his medical degree (M.B.Ch.B.). Dr Twemlow has a strong Maori heritage. His canoe ( waka), is Tainui, iwi (tribe), is Maniapoto. and hapu, ( sub-tribe or extended family), is Ngati Patupo, who were highly skilled in warfare and were King Tawhiao’s bodyguards.