Huia Samuels
Encyclopedia
Huia Samuels is a fictional character on the New Zealand
soap opera
Shortland Street
. She was portrayed by Nicola Kawana
and appeared for 18 months from early 2005 to late 2006.
The character arrived as a business manager, hired to sought out the hospital in the midst of a revamp. Working under the eyes of Andrew Solomon (Paolo Rotondo
), she quickly drew attention from Craig Valentine
(Renato Bartolomei
) and the two started to date. Always a thorn in the side, Sarah Potts (Amanda Billing
) constantly disagreed with Huia and the two fought for Craigs attention, with Huia becoming a mother figure to Craig's daughter Scarlett
(Nicole Thomson). Huia's cousin TK Samuels
(Benjamin Mitchell) arrived in 2006 and together he and Huia made up the ever increasing Samuel's family. Huia and Craig eventually broke up, but not before Huia had gotten pregnant. Unfortunately Huia was killed in a car explosion, in one of the show's most iconic deaths.
Huia was a popular character, with her death also becoming a hugely memorable and favourable death that was explored in storyline's years later.
was reported to be extremely angry and upset at her axing and reportedly did not show up to work for numerous days. The storyline saw Huia, newly pregnant, die in a car explosion after entering a car rigged with a bomb.
in early 2006, having been appointed to manage the accounts by the DHB, much to the annoyance of CEO Andrew Solomon
(Paolo Rotondo
). Huia quickly gets onside with Craig Valentine
(Renato Bartolomei
). However Huia instantly got on badly with Sarah Potts (Amanda Billing
) who was secretly in love with Craig. Huia and Craig soon got together and she moved in and became a mother figure to Craig's teenage daughter Scarlett
(Nicole Thomson). After Andrew's resignation, Huia landed herself CEO of the hospital. Huia began to suspect employee Hamish Flynn (Phil Brown) of being a conman and set herself out to expose him.
In 2006 Huia was surprised to see her cousin TK Samuels
(Benjamin Mitchell arrive to the hospital. He was raised as Huia's younger brother but was viewed a lot more favourably on by Huia's mother Kuini (Ella Henry) than she was herself. Huia exposed Hamish as a fraud, seeing him fired. On a trip to visit Kuini, Craig learnt that Huia had previously been married to Buddy Haanui (Antonio Te Maioha
), much to his disgust. Craig and Huia's relationship began to sour and Huia eventually suspended Craig from the hospital due to his anger. Upon his return, he ended the relationship. In September 2006, while on a business trip, the two had a one night stand and Huia fell pregnant. Huia decided to leave, but the two agreed to raise the child together. Craig's new girlfriend Sarah verbally abused Huia while she was on a way to a meeting in Ant Richards (Michael Morris) car, upon turning on the exhaust, the car exploded, instantly killing Huia.
(Lucy Wigmore
). Huia's friend Toni Warner
(Laura Hill
) died as part of a result of faulty drugs created by Scott Spear and Craig was later murdered by Scott Spear thugs. After faking her own death after nearly dying in another car bomb, Justine testified in court, which saw Scott Spear shut down for good.
, stating; "We're living in a world now where bits of terrorism pop up all over the place, who would've thought Bali a couple of years ago? There have also been some scary incidents in schools, not just in the US but here, too. You look at the reports of how teachers are treated by their students, so I don't think any of it is unbelievable. We don't want to create a precedent but we always like to look at the world around us and think, 'What if?' " The writing team consulted The New Zealand police and bomb squads to accurately portray the bombing. Daniel tried to create the illusion on screen that Ant was going to be killed off, saying; "The predictable story would have been that Ant was the victim, obviously, he was intended to be." The storyline saw Huia fall pregnant following a one night stand with ex fiance Craig Valentine
. She decides to leave the city only to be talked round by Craig. While going to a meeting, she borrows Ant's car and following an argument with Sarah turns on the ignition, only to be killed in a firery explosion that injures numerous bystanders including Sarah and Tania Jeffries
. Daniel was pleased with the end result, saying; "Baghdad comes to Shortland Street, I don't think anyone will have seen that coming." The episode was followed up by a week of aftermath episodes, including the initial aftermath and then several episodes involving the grief and coming to terms of the death, then Huia's funeral at her marae and finally a storyline that saw news reporters arriving to the hospital.
New Zealand
New Zealand is an island country in the south-western Pacific Ocean comprising two main landmasses and numerous smaller islands. The country is situated some east of Australia across the Tasman Sea, and roughly south of the Pacific island nations of New Caledonia, Fiji, and Tonga...
soap opera
Soap opera
A soap opera, sometimes called "soap" for short, is an ongoing, episodic work of dramatic fiction presented in serial format on radio or as television programming. The name soap opera stems from the original dramatic serials broadcast on radio that had soap manufacturers, such as Procter & Gamble,...
Shortland Street
Shortland Street
Shortland Street is a New Zealand prime-time soap opera, first broadcast on Television New Zealand's TV2 on 25 May 1992. It is the country's longest-running drama and soap opera, being broadcast continuously for over 4500 episodes and 19 years, and is one of the most watched television programs in...
. She was portrayed by Nicola Kawana
Nicola Kawana
Nicola Kawana, is best known for playing Huia Samuels on the longest running New Zealand television series Shortland Street. Other roles include Mercy Peak, Jackson's Wharf and Lollie in The Man Who Lost His Head....
and appeared for 18 months from early 2005 to late 2006.
The character arrived as a business manager, hired to sought out the hospital in the midst of a revamp. Working under the eyes of Andrew Solomon (Paolo Rotondo
Paolo Rotondo
Paolo Rotondo is an actor who has made appearances in several New Zealand-based TV shows and films. He also has experience in writing and directing films.-Personal life:...
), she quickly drew attention from Craig Valentine
Craig Valentine
Dr. Craig Valentine is a fictional character on the New Zealand soap opera Shortland Street. He was portrayed by Renato Bartolomei for four years from May 2004 to September 2008....
(Renato Bartolomei
Renato Bartolomei
Renato Bartolomei was born in Australia of Italian descent.Starting his acting career in Australia, he is now a prominent actor in New Zealand, who had a prominent role as Craig Valentine in Shortland Street....
) and the two started to date. Always a thorn in the side, Sarah Potts (Amanda Billing
Amanda Billing
Amanda Billing is best known for her role as Doctor Sarah Potts on New Zealand soap opera Shortland Street.-Biography:...
) constantly disagreed with Huia and the two fought for Craigs attention, with Huia becoming a mother figure to Craig's daughter Scarlett
Scarlett Valentine
Scarlotta Valentine but known as Scarlett Valentine is a fictional character on the New Zealand soap opera Shortland Street. She was portrayed from 2004 to 2008 by Nicole Thomson.-Arrival in Ferndale:...
(Nicole Thomson). Huia's cousin TK Samuels
TK Samuels
Te Koha 'TK' Samuels is a fictional character in New Zealand's longest running soap opera Shortland Street, played by actor Benjamin Mitchell since early 2006.-2006-:...
(Benjamin Mitchell) arrived in 2006 and together he and Huia made up the ever increasing Samuel's family. Huia and Craig eventually broke up, but not before Huia had gotten pregnant. Unfortunately Huia was killed in a car explosion, in one of the show's most iconic deaths.
Huia was a popular character, with her death also becoming a hugely memorable and favourable death that was explored in storyline's years later.
Introduction
The character arrived as a temporary guest character with a stint of a few episodes, but producer's enjoyed the character so much she was upgraded to a regular.Departure
In August 2006 it was announced that Huia had been axed. The storyline leading up to her exit was said to be "dramatic" and that all storylines for Huia had "dried up". Actress, Nicola KawanaNicola Kawana
Nicola Kawana, is best known for playing Huia Samuels on the longest running New Zealand television series Shortland Street. Other roles include Mercy Peak, Jackson's Wharf and Lollie in The Man Who Lost His Head....
was reported to be extremely angry and upset at her axing and reportedly did not show up to work for numerous days. The storyline saw Huia, newly pregnant, die in a car explosion after entering a car rigged with a bomb.
2005-2006
Huia arrives to Shortland StreetShortland Street Hospital
Shortland Street Hospital is a fictional hospital which is the main setting for the TVNZ soap opera Shortland Street...
in early 2006, having been appointed to manage the accounts by the DHB, much to the annoyance of CEO Andrew Solomon
Andrew Solomon
Andrew Solomon is a New York-born bisexual writer on politics, culture, and psychiatry who lives in New York and London. He has written for publications such as the New York Times, The New Yorker, and Artforum, on topics including depression, Soviet artists, the cultural rebirth of Afghanistan,...
(Paolo Rotondo
Paolo Rotondo
Paolo Rotondo is an actor who has made appearances in several New Zealand-based TV shows and films. He also has experience in writing and directing films.-Personal life:...
). Huia quickly gets onside with Craig Valentine
Craig Valentine
Dr. Craig Valentine is a fictional character on the New Zealand soap opera Shortland Street. He was portrayed by Renato Bartolomei for four years from May 2004 to September 2008....
(Renato Bartolomei
Renato Bartolomei
Renato Bartolomei was born in Australia of Italian descent.Starting his acting career in Australia, he is now a prominent actor in New Zealand, who had a prominent role as Craig Valentine in Shortland Street....
). However Huia instantly got on badly with Sarah Potts (Amanda Billing
Amanda Billing
Amanda Billing is best known for her role as Doctor Sarah Potts on New Zealand soap opera Shortland Street.-Biography:...
) who was secretly in love with Craig. Huia and Craig soon got together and she moved in and became a mother figure to Craig's teenage daughter Scarlett
Scarlett Valentine
Scarlotta Valentine but known as Scarlett Valentine is a fictional character on the New Zealand soap opera Shortland Street. She was portrayed from 2004 to 2008 by Nicole Thomson.-Arrival in Ferndale:...
(Nicole Thomson). After Andrew's resignation, Huia landed herself CEO of the hospital. Huia began to suspect employee Hamish Flynn (Phil Brown) of being a conman and set herself out to expose him.
In 2006 Huia was surprised to see her cousin TK Samuels
TK Samuels
Te Koha 'TK' Samuels is a fictional character in New Zealand's longest running soap opera Shortland Street, played by actor Benjamin Mitchell since early 2006.-2006-:...
(Benjamin Mitchell arrive to the hospital. He was raised as Huia's younger brother but was viewed a lot more favourably on by Huia's mother Kuini (Ella Henry) than she was herself. Huia exposed Hamish as a fraud, seeing him fired. On a trip to visit Kuini, Craig learnt that Huia had previously been married to Buddy Haanui (Antonio Te Maioha
Antonio Te Maioha
Antonio Te Maioha is a television and film actor from New Zealand. He first came to international prominence when he played a gladiator named Barca in the television drama Spartacus: Blood and Sand.-Background:...
), much to his disgust. Craig and Huia's relationship began to sour and Huia eventually suspended Craig from the hospital due to his anger. Upon his return, he ended the relationship. In September 2006, while on a business trip, the two had a one night stand and Huia fell pregnant. Huia decided to leave, but the two agreed to raise the child together. Craig's new girlfriend Sarah verbally abused Huia while she was on a way to a meeting in Ant Richards (Michael Morris) car, upon turning on the exhaust, the car exploded, instantly killing Huia.
Afterdeath
The car bomb was revealed to be from pharmaceutical company Scott Spear and placed in Ant's car after he stole documents from them. The storyline was again visited in 2008 when Craig began to investigate the company alongside Justine JonesJustine Jones
Justine Jones was a fictional character on the TVNZ soap opera Shortland Street. Justine was originally played by Laurie Foell in 2005 and 2006, but was replaced by Lucy Wigmore in 2007 who portrayed her until September 2008 and as a guest character in July 2009.-Casting:Controversy struck in 2007...
(Lucy Wigmore
Lucy Wigmore
Lucy Wigmore is a stage and screen actress from New Zealand. She played core cast member Dr Justine Jones in the long-running soap opera Shortland Street, and more recently starred as Lillian May Armfield in Underbelly: Razor, a 13 part Drama set in the 1920's - 1930's on the rough and ready...
). Huia's friend Toni Warner
Toni Warner
Antoinette "Toni" Warner was a fictional character on the New Zealand soap opera Shortland Street...
(Laura Hill
Laura Hill
Laura Anne Hill is a New Zealand actress, best known for playing Toni Thompson on the New Zealand soap opera, Shortland Street.-External links:...
) died as part of a result of faulty drugs created by Scott Spear and Craig was later murdered by Scott Spear thugs. After faking her own death after nearly dying in another car bomb, Justine testified in court, which saw Scott Spear shut down for good.
Death
With storylines having dried up with the character of Huia, producers decided to axe the character in a truly dramatic fashion. Producer Jason Daniel decided to have the character killed off in October rather than the December cliffhanger so as that the storylines gain momentum. A storyline running alongside parallel to Huia's was that of dodgey pharmaceutical company and its annoyance at Ant Richards for stealing the documents. Daniel decided to kill off the character of Huia with the subject of terrorismTerrorism
Terrorism is the systematic use of terror, especially as a means of coercion. In the international community, however, terrorism has no universally agreed, legally binding, criminal law definition...
, stating; "We're living in a world now where bits of terrorism pop up all over the place, who would've thought Bali a couple of years ago? There have also been some scary incidents in schools, not just in the US but here, too. You look at the reports of how teachers are treated by their students, so I don't think any of it is unbelievable. We don't want to create a precedent but we always like to look at the world around us and think, 'What if?' " The writing team consulted The New Zealand police and bomb squads to accurately portray the bombing. Daniel tried to create the illusion on screen that Ant was going to be killed off, saying; "The predictable story would have been that Ant was the victim, obviously, he was intended to be." The storyline saw Huia fall pregnant following a one night stand with ex fiance Craig Valentine
Craig Valentine
Dr. Craig Valentine is a fictional character on the New Zealand soap opera Shortland Street. He was portrayed by Renato Bartolomei for four years from May 2004 to September 2008....
. She decides to leave the city only to be talked round by Craig. While going to a meeting, she borrows Ant's car and following an argument with Sarah turns on the ignition, only to be killed in a firery explosion that injures numerous bystanders including Sarah and Tania Jeffries
Tania Jeffries
Tania Jeffries is a fictional character on the New Zealand soap opera Shortland Street. Tania Jeffries is the younger sister to nurse Maia Jeffries, PA Libby Jeffries and daughter of hospital receptionist, Yvonne Jefferies...
. Daniel was pleased with the end result, saying; "Baghdad comes to Shortland Street, I don't think anyone will have seen that coming." The episode was followed up by a week of aftermath episodes, including the initial aftermath and then several episodes involving the grief and coming to terms of the death, then Huia's funeral at her marae and finally a storyline that saw news reporters arriving to the hospital.