Born and raised in New Zealand, Akina graduated from the National Academy of Singing and Dramatic Arts (NASDA) in Christchurch in 2008 with a Bachelor of Performing Arts via Music Theatre.
In her graduating year, Akina was cast in the Australian tour of Buddy Holly the Musical.
For the following nine years Akina continued her work in the Australian Music Theatre industry and went on to join the casts of major musical productions including Avenue Q, Hairspray, An Officer and a Gentleman, Children of Eden, two and a half year Australian tour with Disney's The Lion King, Australasian premiere of Sister Act the Musical, where not only did she get to play the starring role of Deloris van Cartier but more honourably - her first project on home soil. She is now currently playing a Shirelle and Janelle Woods in the Australian production of Beautiful; The Carole King Musical, which will tour for the year (2018).
