Shavaughn Ruakere


Shavaughn Ruakere is a New Zealand Māori actress and television presenter. She is best known for her role as Roimata Ngatai on the prime-time soap opera Shortland Street.

Early life

Ruakere was born in Hawera but lived in Opunake until her family moved to New Plymouth when she was eight years old. She attended university in Auckland before relocating to Christchurch for a television presenter role on What Now.

Career

Ruakere started out as a presenter for popular children's television shows such as What Now and SMTV Live. Her acting career began with minor roles in the films River Queen and Sione's Wedding. From 2011 to 2014, Ruakere played the character of Roimata Ngatai on Shortland Street, her most notable television role to date. In 2018, Ruakere was a contestant on Dancing with the Stars. Although making it to the Grand Final, she and dancing partner Enrique Johns were first of the four teams to be eliminated.

Filmography

Film

Television