Edwards was elected chairman of the iwi board on 31 July 2020 following a hui ('meeting') by board trustees.[2] He had been a trustee on the board for four years prior, and was the chairman of the iwi's Treaty Claims Committee.[2] He replaced outgoing chairman Haydn Edmonds.[2]
Edwards was removed from the public gallery of the New Zealand Parliament following his interruption of a debate on proposed changes to the law that would make it harder for Māori to secure customary marine title to the foreshore and seabed.[3] After ACT's Todd Stephenson finished speaking in support of the changes, Edwards interjected "Ko wai hoki rātou? Who do they think they are?"[3]
During a speech by ACT leader David Seymour at Waitangi in 2025, Edwards removed the microphone twice. Edwards told Stuff that it had become clear to him that Seymour was "fanning the flames of hurt and pain" during his speech.[4] Edwards was one of only two speakers from the mana whenua that day, a sign of anger towards the government.[4]
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