Ethan Browne, who plays Tane Parata on Home and Away, spoke to Digital Spy about his character’s new path.
Tane has been forced to step up as head of the Parata family after his older brother Ari made a big sacrifice in a new narrative presently showing on UK screens.
To protect his fiancée Mia Anderson and her daughter Chloe, Ari has claimed responsibility for Matthew Montgomery’s death.
Tane has been left to pick up the pieces for the rest of the family now that Ari is in prison.
“Tane understands it’s necessary and must be done,” Ethan told Digital Spy, “but he’s secretly uncomfortable in taking on the position, even though he knows he has no choice and must be the pillar for his family.”
“I truly embraced it,” he concluded, referring to his own real-life attitude. I believe it is the next logical step in Tane’s personal growth and development, and it fundamentally alters who he is.”
Tane stepped in when his nephew Nikau struggled with Ari’s decision in recent episodes.
Tane took Nikau on a journey and began training him on how to use the Taiaha, a traditional Mori weapon that can bring spiritual guidance in times of trouble.
Nikau’s training continues in this week’s broadcasts on Channel 5. Nikau eventually masters the usage of the Taiaha after several days of practice, impressing Tane.
“We’ve always had a lot of input with the cultural themes,” Ethan continued. We all grew up in our respective cultures, so we bring our own perspectives to the table and share ideas with the writers.
“It was amazing to film these scenes with Kawa [Fox-Reo, who plays Nikau]. Kawa and I were both fairly new to Taiaha. I personally had not really touched a Taiaha before.
“It’s a sacred and meaningful process, and to be able to use it is a big honor in our culture.” I consider myself really fortunate and happy that we were given the opportunity to do so. And the show’s acceptance of it is remarkable.
“These sequences have already been shown in Australia, and the response has been incredible. It was a massive, all-positive response. It’s reassuring to know that the cultural work we do has a beneficial impact on individuals of all backgrounds, and I’m grateful to be a part of it.”
“He knows from his own experience that Nikau would excel,” Ethan said of Tane’s faith in Nikau. He knows Nikau well and understands that he’ll have a few setbacks along the way, but it won’t stop him from excelling at whatever he sets his mind to.”
