ABOUT

Rutene Spooner is a Māori performer of Ngāti Porou, Ngāruahine and Ngāti Kahungunu tribal descent. He is a graduate of the National Academy of Singing and Dramatic Art (NASDA) and has performed extensively throughout Aotearoa- New Zealand and internationally as a singer, actor and entertainer, and is a member of the acclaimed Modern Māori Quartet.

His stage highlights include acclaimed productions such as the New Zealand premiere of Billy Elliot (Auckland Theatre Company) the Australian tour of Jersey Boys, (New Theatricals) and standout performances in Chicago, Little Shop of Horrors (The Court Theatre), and the Australasian premiere of Jekyll & Hyde (Hayes Theatre Co)

Rutene has also lent his voice to Disney Reo Māori films including Frozen, Coco, Encanto, and most recently as Kele in Moana 2. As a soloist, he has performed with the Auckland Philharmonia, Christchurch Symphony Orchestra, Orchestra Wellington, and the New Zealand String Quartet.

Dubbed “a stalwart of the Auckland cabaret scene” by The New Zealand Herald, Rutene continues to charm audiences through works like Super Hugh-Man, Thoroughly Modern Māui, Be Like Billy?, Pīpī Paopao, and The Velvet Rebels. 

Beyond performing, he is a creative producer, documentary director, vocal and performance coach, and proud kaihaka of Te Kapa Haka o Whāngara-Mai-Tawhiti.