The 24-year-old was one of three people to receive a New Zealand Down Syndrome Association national achievement award this week, in Wellington, from Disability Issues Minister Tariana Turia.
His mother, Vivienne, said Mr Tavite competed in power-lifting in the Special Olympics last November in Dunedin.
He won a gold medal and two bronze medals for individual events, as well as an overall bronze.
He also qualified for the games in swimming, but had to choose one event.
He is also active in karate, and his week is filled with sport and other activities.
Mrs Tavite said the Special Olympics were held just two weeks after the death of his father, Koni Tavite, and to take part in them showed her son's positivity and spirit.
A keen artist, he sold a self-portrait painting last year for $1000.
He received the award on Tuesday at Parliament. Today is World Down Syndrome Day.
