[1] He was one of the first Pacific Islanders to attend the Toi Whakaari New Zealand Drama School, graduating in 1984 with a Diploma in Acting.

[2][3] In 1981 Ete became one of the founding members of New Zealand's first Pacific Island theatre group, Taotahi.

They staged the first full-length Pacific Island play ever performed in New Zealand called “Le Matau” (1984) in which Ete played the lead role for which he was named by The Dominion's theatre critics as the most promising male performer of the year.

He wrote and performed the first solo show by a Pacific Islander in New Zealand called The Johnny Smith Myth and has extensive stage, film, television and radio experience.

[6][7] Creative New Zealand said of Ete receiving the award, "He has used his public profile and experience to make a positive impact in as many ways possible.