DIRECTOR | PRODUCER

Rutene, proudly connected to Ngāti Porou, Ngāruahine, and Ngāti Kahungunu heritage, set sail on his performing arts voyage post-graduation with a Bachelor of Performing Arts in Musical Theatre in 2009. Since then, he's been jet-setting across continents, serenading audiences with his dynamic performances as a singer, actor, and all-around entertainer.

Rutene's recent ventures include lending his voice to characters in Disney Reo Māori films like Frozen, Coco, Encanto and most recently - Kele in Moana 2.

Rutene is a creative producer, documentary director, and performance coach.

An esteemed kaihaka of Te Kapa Haka of Whāngara-Mai-Tawhiti, a cherished member of the Modern Māori Quartet, and a dedicated union member of the New Zealand Actors Equity, Rutene stands as a humble yet influential figure, enriching both the entertainment and the cultural landscape of Aotearoa.