Tama Hudson

In 2000 an Australian consultant made several large changes to the show that would see a more working class hospital portrayed.[1] Tama, his parents Joe and Te Hana and sister Mihi were created because of this.[2][3] As part of the revamp, producers wished for a more community based cast with established family links, mimicking the past presence of the Warner and McKenna families.[1][4] Nineteen-year-old David Wikaira-Paul was cast in the role.[2] In 2006 the character was axed alongside 5 other characters as part of a revamp.[5] The revamp was an attempt to create a culturally proportional cast after the exit of the only Pacific Islander, Pua Magasiva.[6]

Tama arrived alongside his family but it was soon clear to his friend Delphi (Anna Hutchison) that Tama enjoyed music a lot more than he did playing rugby as his father Joe (Rawiri Paratene) wished. Tama began to secretly date his sisters best friend Shannon Te Ngaru (Amber Cureen) and the two started a physical relationship that landed Shannon pregnant. The two decided to adopt their baby out at birth and reconciled, but the baby boy died shortly after birth and the relationship fell apart. However, when Shannon attempted suicide and Tama nearly died in a building collapse, the two decided to commit to a future together ad got engaged. Despite appearing happy, whilst Tama was away Shannon started an affair with Vinnie Kruse (Pua Magasiva) and the two later broke up only to reconcile and get engaged once again. The two married on Christmas Day and replaced the missing wedding rings with beach shells. He two took in Tama's troublesome cousin Eti Kawaka (Isaac Bell) and Shannon again fell pregnant, giving birth to Rangimarie Hudson (Mia Curreen-Poko) in May. However, it soon became clear Shannon was unhappy and she again strayed from Tama with his cousin Whetu (Taungaroa Emile) and the two separated for good. Tama and Shannon fought for custody of Rangimarie and ended up on agreeing to Shannon being sole guardian. Tama left Ferndale to live with his family.

Producer Simon Bennett did not enjoy the introduction of the Hudson family, stating: "With the best will in the world the intention to introduce a down on their luck Maori family who moved from the country to the city came across as mawkish and somewhat PC in flavour."[7] Playing Tama reportedly earned Wikaira-Paul huge popularity, especially amongst young audiences and he received the most fan mail.[8][9] Parents of the young viewers reportedly hoped everything would work out for Tama.[9] Tama and Shannon were also a hugely popular couple with fans constantly hoping the two would have a happy ending.[9] The love triangle storyline between Tama, Shannon and Vinnie was singled out as a favourite romance storyline from the 2004 season.[10]