Ruia is an award-winning singer, songwriter and illustrator, respected for his knowledge of Māori tikanga and lore. He has a Diploma in Japanese studies, as well as Māori being his first language, and has taught in total immersion at kura (schools). Ruia is studying towards his Post Graduate Diploma in Business (Māori Development) at the Graduate School of Enterprise, University of Auckland Business School. He is an associate researcher with the Mira Szászy Research Centre for Māori and Pacific Economic Development, University of Auckland Business School.