Finau was one of the children of politician Molitoni Finau.[1] He won a government scholarship to study at Newington College in Sydney,[2] joining the school in 1933.[3] Like his father, he excelled at sport, representing the school in athletics, cricket and rugby,[3] and winning the school's 120 yard hurdles, high jump and shot put competitions in 1936.[4]
After returning to Tonga he joined the civil service, rising to become Taxation Commissioner,[5] and later Deputy Commissioner of the Inland Revenue.[6] He was also involved in rugby, coaching the Hihifo team to victory in the Hellaby Shield in 1951,[7] and later becoming president of the Tonga Rugby Union.[8]
He was elected to the Legislative Assembly in the 1978 elections,[6] but died in March 1979. His seat in the legislature was taken by his brother Tomiteau.[1]