In New Zealand, he most recently played for Hawke's Bay in the National Provincial Championship competition[1] Born and raised in Napier, Makene attended and played rugby for Napier Boys' High School, captaining their first XV in 2014.
After graduating high school, he headed south to attend Lincoln University in Christchurch and study environmental planning and management.
[2] Two tries in nine appearances for the Mako helped them reach the final of the 2016 Premiership, in which ironically they were defeated by Makene's parent province, Canterbury.
[6] While not initially named in their squad for the 2021 Super Rugby season, Makene was called into the Highlanders squad as cover for Vilimoni Koroi, who was training with the New Zealand Sevens team in preparation of the 2021 Olympics.
[8] On 2 December 2021, Makene was named in the Utah Warriors squad for the 2022 Major League Rugby season.