	Poutapu was a protégé of Te Puea Herangi who sent him to the School of Maori Arts at Ohinemutu in 1929. He spent three years there learning adzeing, carving and traditional lore from Eramiha Neke Kapua. During this time he also worked with brothers Pine and Hone Taiapa, leading Ngāti Porou carvers. In 1932 he returned to Ngaruawahia where he established a carving school. One of his pupils was Inia Te Wiata. Poutapu was one of the leaders in the building of Turongo, the Māori king's official residence at Turangawaewae Marae, between 1934 and 1938. He was a confidant and secretary to Māori king Korokī and was then a member of the Tekau-ma-rua (council of twelve) for Māori queen Te Atairangikaahu.