Tanerau made his debut for the New Zealand Sevens team at the age of 17 in 2004 and appeared in all eight tournaments that year. The former New Zealand Schools and New Zealand Under 19 representative has since featured regularly at IRB Sevens tournaments. In 2005 he was a member of the team that was beaten in the final of the IRB Sevens Rugby World Cup in Hong Kong. His outstanding work ethic, high fitness levels and great skill and ability landed him a contract with the Crusaders for the 2006 Super 14.
