Matai was born and raised in Gisborne, New Zealand and later moved to Auckland when he began working in Television. He speaks fluent Te Reo Maori and is of Rongowhakaata, Ngai Taamanuhiri and Ngāti Kahungunu descent.

In April 2013, Matai announced his same-sex relationship with The GC star, Alby Waititi. The announcement was made before the final reading of the controversial Marriage (Definition of Marriage) Amendment Bill.[1]