What is Awhina Rutene from MAFS Australia’s Ethnicity? Exploring Her Roots and Name Pronunciation

• What is Awhina Rutene from MAFS Australia’s Ethnicity? she is originally from New Zealand with Māori roots and her name pronounced as Ah-feena means helper or supporter in the Māori language.
• Awhina’s background includes being born in Darwin while her parents are from New Zealand and she moved to Perth at a young age.
• She joined MAFS Australia after her mother’s suggestion following a long-term relationship and is a single mother to a six-year-old son.

Awhina Rutene, a 30-year-old contestant on Married at First Sight Australia (MAFS), has caught the spotlight not just for her vibrant personality but also for her deep cultural heritage.

She was born in Darwin, Australia, and her parents come from New Zealand, allowing her to proudly embrace her Māori ancestry— the indigenous Polynesian people of New Zealand.

Her name, which comes from the Māori language, means “helper” or “supporter,” perfectly reflecting her caring nature. People often stumble over the pronunciation of her name; the “wh” in Māori is spoken like the English “f,” so it sounds more like “Ah-feena.”

Awhina decided to join MAFS Australia on her mother’s advice, encouraging her to seek love again after a long relationship came to an end. Now, she’s a single mom to a six-year-old son and works as an aged care worker in Western Australia.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Awhina (@_awhinarutene)

Although she holds a strong connection to her Māori roots, Awhina hasn’t traveled back to New Zealand often since her family moved to Perth when she was 14. Her upbringing as part of a military family meant lots of relocations, but she’s always proud of her Kiwi heritage.

Awhina’s experience on MAFS Australia has been filled with hurdles, especially in her relationship with Adrian, who had a tough time grappling with the idea of stepping into a fatherly role. Still, their journey has been a rollercoaster of ups and downs that keeps viewers closely following their story.

Also Read: What made Adolescence Episode 3’s improvised moment unforgettable? Find Out

Last Updated on March 19, 2025 by 247 News Around The World