RUTENE SPOONER
Pumbaa
Rutene Spooner is a proud descendant of Ngāti Porou, Ngāruahine, and Ngāti Kahungunu tribes. After graduating with a Bachelor of Performing Arts in Musical Theatre in 2009, he has travelled the world, captivating audiences as a singer, actor, and entertainer.
His stage highlights include acclaimed productions such as the New Zealand premiere of Billy Elliot, the Australian tour of Jersey Boys, and standout performances in Chicago, Little Shop of Horrors (The Court Theatre), and the Australasian premiere of Jekyll & Hyde.
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.
His artistry has been recognised with the Grant Tilly Actor of the Year Award at the 2023 Wellington Theatre Awards and the 2025 VAC New Zealand Male Entertainer of the Year title.
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? and The Velvet Rebels.
Beyond performing, he is a creative producer, documentary director, vocal coach, and proud kaihaka of Te Kapa Haka o Whāngara-Mai-Tawhiti and member of the Modern Māori Quartet.