Full-time storyteller,

part-time mischief maker

Rutene Spooner is an actor, entertainer, musician, director, and tutor based in Aotearoa, NZ.

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.

Among his notable performances are memorable roles in acclaimed productions such as the New Zealand premiere of Billy Elliot, the Australian Tour of Jersey Boys, and captivating portrayals in Chicago, Little Shop of Horrors (The Court Theatre), and the Australasian premiere of Jekyll & Hyde.

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.

His dedication to his craft was further recognized with The Grant Tilly Actor of The Year award at the esteemed 2023 Wellington Theatre Awards.

The New Zealand Herald dubbed him "a mainstay of the Auckland cabaret scene," but Rutene's charm extends far beyond the city limits. His acclaimed productions, like Super Hugh-Man and Thoroughly Modern Māui and Be Like Billy? have left audiences cheering both at home and abroad.

Outside of his performance schedule, Rutene moonlights as a creative producer, documentary director, and vocal & performance coach, enriching the arts community he loves dearly.

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 stage and the cultural landscape of Aotearoa.

EXCELENCE IN PERFORMANCE

Auckland Theatre Awards 2017

The Grant Tilly ACTOR OF THE YEAR

Wellington Theatre Awards 2023

PLAYS FOR THE YOUNG AWARD

Playmarket New Zealand 2023

“…Spooner is Aotearoa’s next big entertainment Star:

a powerful charismatic anthem performer…”

- THEATREVIEW, NZ