Characterisation Personality and characteristics Tane is characterised as "cheeky" and a fun-loving guy. Despite having a "mischievous" and "cocky" persona, Tane just wants to take care of his family. In an interview with Jackie Brygel of
New Idea, Browne described Tane as "quite rebellious". He dislikes being told what to do especially by Ari. He added "deep down, he means well. All he wants is the best for his family." He told Kerry Harvey from
Stuff that Tane "does all this bad stuff" because he wants to take care of Ari and Gemma. Tane is sometimes portrayed as impolite and Browne believed he has more respect for others than Tane does. Browne mentioned that he added some of his own "cheekiness" and "sarcasm" into Tane's characterisation. Browne told a
Who writer that Tane "does put on a bit of a front" because he feels responsible for his brother, Mikaere's death. He added that Tane wants Ari's approval and that's when writers developed his "more sensitive side". Tane is also one of the show's "hunky" characters, a trait which requires Browne to film topless scenes showing off his body. He told ''TV Week's'' Tamara Cullen that it was easy to film such scenes, despite receiving attention from fans during location filming. He was also content because "if I can justify why I have my shirt off, then it's fine." In another interview via
Who, Browne defended his scenes again stating that "it's not like I'm trying to show off my guns - they're just there." When the Paratas are introduced, they are portrayed as "bad boys", with Tane being a thief. Browne revealed that he was concerned the Paratas could play into stereotypes of "the brown person who is the criminal". Writers reassured Browne that this was not their intention and they wanted to portray them changing their trajectory and storylining their journey "changing from the bad guy to the good guy". Browne told Stephen Patterson from
Metro that the storyline is "very hard" for Tane, he dislikes being the head but "he must remain strong for the family." He told Stuff's Harvey that Tane "has to man up and become more of a leader in the family."
Māori culture The collective form the show's first ever Māori family. Aside from their different accents, writers incorporated the difference in their cultural behaviour. Kipa-Williams told Rachel Lucas from ''
What's on TV that "we do things slightly differently and our humour is slightly different. You’ll notice a bit of a different vibe, which I think is nice. Every family brings a new vibe but we’ll be bringing a piece of culture with us." Browne told Maddison Hockey (TV Week'') that "we're bringing a whole new culture to the show - something that hasn't really been seen before on an Australian show." All three actors worked with the script writers to make sure the family were authentic. Kipa-Williams revealed that one example of their efforts was adding in Māori words into scenes, which directors approved and included in episodes. In another interview he noted the Taiaha "is a way for us Māori to reconnect with our ancestors and ground us." It took them between fifteen and twenty hours of training to learn the movements. Browne told a reporter from
Yahoo Australia that "a lot of it we had to do on our own" and it was "very special" to show the "warrior side of the Māori culture." The Parata family arrive in Summer Bay to start a new life following family tragedy and hide a secret. The Parata family consist of Tane, his brother Ari, his sister-in-law Gemma and her son Nikau. Tane is introduced into the series a couple of weeks after the rest of the Parata family. Browne told Heyder that upon his introduction Tane "is the outcast of the whanau". It soon becomes apparent that he does not have "the most legitimate ways of earning money." Ari believes that Tane is a bad influence on Nikau and wants him to leave. The pair end up getting into a fist fight over their disagreement. Browne told Ellis that understood why Ari was reluctant to have Tane around Nikau. He explained that "Ari knows Tane does dodgy things for a living, because that's what Ari used to do." Ari worries that history will repeat itself and Nikau will copy Tane's behaviour, like Tane did from Ari. Browne said that Tane is not off-put by Ari's involvement and finds it more "interesting" to pursue romance her. He believes that it will annoy Ari, of which Browne commented "he likes to get under Ari’s skin whatever way he can." Tane decides to buy a house in Summer Bay for the Paratas to live in. His family move out of
John Palmer (
Shane Withington) and
Marilyn Chambers' (
Emily Symons) house. Browne believed his character wanted to settle down in Summer Bay. Once they settle in, Tane decides to throw a traditional Kiwi hangi party to signify the positive changes he is making in his life. They invite the town's local residents but an accident occurs at the party. John does not trust the Paratas and attends the party to watch over Marilyn. The event is ruined when John collapses with a brain aneurysm. Nikau panics when he thinks he will be arrested for the crime and steals
Tori Morgan's (
Penny McNamee) car to getaway. He is shocked to discover that Tori's baby, Grace is a passenger and fears he will be arrested for abduction. Kipa-Williams branded it a "first" for the show and "not to be missed" scenes. Mackenzie also watches them perform the haka and becomes fixated on watching Tane, despite romancing Ari. Amber continues to flirt with Tane which causes a physical fight between Mackenzie and Amber, resulting in Ziggy being punched in the face. Ziggy has a bruised eye which Ari notices and he tries to find out what happened. Mackenzie and Tane discuss the incident and Ari overhears and demands to know the truth. Ari decides to commit to his relationship with Mackenzie and takes her on a date. They get along well and they are optimistic about their future, but Mackenzie worries her dalliance with Tane will be revealed. In September 2020, writers began to explore Tane's criminal past. Tane takes a job working in Mackenzie's, Salt. While on shift, Tane is visited by a group of men, headed by
Leon (Will McNeill) who ask him to participate in illegal activity in exchange for money. Tane refuses and tries to throw them out of Salt. Leon retaliates by hitting him with broken glass and injuring him. Mackenzie attempts to call the police but Tane stops her, leaving her worried. Weir told ''TV Week's'' Cullen that Mackenzie's attraction to Tane leaves her confused. She added that Tane tells Mackenzie that he is "struggling to be himself around her" and living with her "is too hard" to navigate. Tane is not a qualified mechanic so Ziggy is only allowed to let him do menial tasks and admin work. Ziggy's ex-boyfriend,
Dean Thompson (Patrick O'Connor) witnesses Tane and Ziggy discussing the job offer over drinks and Amber accuses Ziggy of flaunting her new date to annoy Dean. She is embarrassed by Amber's accusation but Dillman believed there was a connection between Ziggy and Tane. Tane returns to Summer Bay injured after being attacked by Leon and his gang. He is ordered to return the van of stolen goods or face further violence. Tane collapses at Mackenzie's house and she returns the following day to find him unconscious. Tane is taken to hospital where Tori reveals he has sustained severe head injuries and has a torn liver. Tori decides against operating on Tane and opts to wait to see if there is any healing within twenty-four hours. Tane is restless and tries to leave the hospital, needing to contact Ziggy to return the stolen goods to the gang. He just wanted to do a quick job and be done, but that doesn't turn out to be the case." Tane asks Ziggy and Willow for help recovering the van. Though Tane does not want to involve Ziggy any further. Browne explained that Tane is "very protective" of Ziggy and does not want her to get hurt. Tane convinces Nikau that he should return to New Zealand but he cannot get Ari away. Tane decides to tell Ari the truth and he agrees to help. In February 2021, writers continued to explore the feud with Leon. He and Paul (Jack Finsterer) blackmail Tane and Ari to commit an armed robbery. Producers reintroduced
Heath Braxton (
Dan Ewing) for the story, who arrives after Dean requests his help. O'Connor revealed that Dean believes the Paratas' plan is wrong and they will get "stitched up", so intervenes.
Relationship with Ziggy Astoni Writers played Tane's crime stories as a catalyst for the beginning of a romance with Ziggy. He relies on Ziggy to discuss his guilt about Mackenzie's sacrifice and they bond. Brown explained that Ziggy "feels sorry" for Tane and is the type to "give someone a fair shot without judgement of their past". When the police ask Ziggy's business partner,
Justin Morgan (
James Stewart) to help them with their investigation into a robbery, Tane confesses to him. This puts Ziggy's job at risk and Justin accuses her of having romantic feelings for Tane, which motivated her to help him. Ziggy denies his accusations but realises she is attracted to Tane. Mackenzie discovers their relationship and is unsupportive and urges Ziggy to inform Dean. When she tries, Dean confesses his love for Ziggy. Writers continued to play Tane feeling secure in his relationship with Ziggy until May 2021. Tane, Ziggy, Dean and Amber attend a surfing competition together and the four celebrate the results. Amber and Tane feel left out of the celebrations and worry their partners still love their exes. Amber was already suspicious when Dean failed to reciprocate her declaration of love. O'Connor added that Dean never got over his break-up with Ziggy. Tane is shocked when he confronts Ziggy about the situation and she cannot reassure him. She then tries to convince Tane to have sex with her. In the same week of episodes, writers also portrayed Ziggy and Dean in a separate story, where he tells Ziggy he still loves her. Writers then ended Tane and Ziggy's relationship, their break-up occurred after Dean is injured in a car accident. Dillman concluded that Ziggy came to the realisation that she could lose Dean permanently.
Felicity Newman and chemical attack Writers quickly developed another love interest for Tane when he meets
Felicity Newman (Jacqui Purvis), a new regular character to the show. Their shared scenes commence when Tane witnesses Ziggy kissing Dean and decides to go clubbing to forget about Ziggy. He meets Felicity, they get drunk together and have sex at her house. Tane is shocked to discover that she is the sister of local policeman,
Cash Newman (Nicholas Cartwright). Tane tells Felicity he does not envision a romantic future between them. Tane then receives some roses sent anonymously and assumes Felicity is the sender. Tane confronts her but she denies sending the roses, which causes an argument that Cash intervenes in. Tane later discovers a rose in his gym bag and accuses Felicity, reporting her to Cash who believes there is no evidence of wrongdoing on Felicity's behalf. A mystery character then sneaks into Tane's gym and poisons Tane's drink which causes him to collapse. The character then floods it with poisonous
organophosphate gas and locks Tane inside, but the gas leaks into Salt and Cash evacuates the premises. Tane is rescued before medics
Logan Bennett (
Harley Bonner) and
Jasmine Delaney (
Sam Frost) try to save his life. At hospital, Logan finds it difficult to resuscitate Tane but is successful. Toxicology tests reveal Tane has been drugged with a sedative. Writers made Cash an unlikely ally for Tane and determined to find his attacker. Cartwright explained that Cash is "worried" and despite Tane's past with Felicity "no one deserves that" treatment. He then finds further evidence that she was involved. Purvis told Scott Ellis (
TV Week) that Felicity is "stressed, isolated and anxious" because no one will believe her innocence. Nikau blames Felicity and begins an online hate campaign against her, resulting in her caravan being graffitied. Cash worries that Felicity is missing and thinks her disappearance confirms her guilt. Cartwright revealed that Cash is "distraught" and wants Felicity to return safe, regardless of her guilt. When Ari realises Tane is missing too, he and Cash set out to find them and locate the shack just as Anne dons a hazmat suit preparing to kill them. In May, Tane is involved in a stabbing storyline following Mackenzie's criminal activities at Salt involving
PK (
Ryan Johnson). He intervenes in a hostage situation but is stabbed during a fight with
Nathan Silva (Ryan Panizza). Weir revealed there is "a terrifying chance Tane could die" but Mackenzie cannot risk exposing her crimes. She instead asks her boyfriend and doctor,
Logan Bennett (
Harley Bonner) to treat him illegally. Logan assesses Tane and performs an illegal operation on him. Tane's condition detioriates and Logan donates his own blood and gives Tane a blood transfusion, which helps him survive. In August, Tane was featured in a plot exploring him working with police to bring down a biker gang, The Death Adders. Gang leader Marty (Ben Wood) informs Tane that Ari had stolen money from them and he begins threatening the Paratas. The development featured Tane changing his values and working with the police for the first time. Gang member
Tex Wheeler (Lucas Linehan) begins threatening Tane, and orders him to surrender control of his accounts at his gym. Tex intends to use the venue to launder money. Browne told ''Inside Soap's'' Ellis that the scenario is "life-threatening" and Tane feels he has no choice to give them control. Rachel Lucas from
Whattowatch.com that another reason for Tane working with the police is that he "has grown up a bit since then and he wants to leave that sort of lifestyle behind him." Browne stated "the gang have threatened to go for his family" and "he does whatever he can to prevent that". Rose and Cash wait outside while Tane attempts to extort the confession. Browne concluded that the story would continue with Tane feeling "a lot of pressure to keep up the act." Tane decides to distance himself from Felicity to protect Ari, Chloe and her mother
Mia Anderson (
Anna Samson). Felicity is hurt by Tane's decision but he cannot risk Cash finding out the truth. When Tane sees Felicity working at Salt, their attraction remains. They quickly resume their romance but Felicity begins questioning Tane, putting Ari's secret in jeopardy. Tane is reflective following Ari's death and he confides his worries about his family. This makes him assess his future goals and he tells Felicity that he wants to buy a house and have children with her. His revelation makes Felicity anxious, which Purvis described as a "massive moment" and shows her "fear of commitment". She added that Felicity's attitude could "ruin" the relationship. She decides to be honest and tells Tane she does not want children and he tells her to leave. Purvis told ''TV Week's'' Laura Masia that it is a "massive shock" and she is unsure of how to respond. Purvis explained that Felicity loves Tane but she fears losing those she loves and this commitment is "allowing loss to happen". She concluded that Felicity needs to decide that Tane is worth overcoming her fears for. Tane decides to call the engagement off, with Browne revealing Tane's takes action "rather than dragging it out and pretending everything is okay." Felicity cannot cope with losing Tane and tries to convince him otherwise. Purvis stated in an interview with Harvey that "they just kind of complete each other, which is really beautiful." Writers created more drama on her wedding day by portraying Felicity in doubt. ''TV Week's'' Ellis reported that Felicity would get "a serious case of cold feet" before the wedding. Purvis explained that Tane "challenges her and her values" and "makes her a better person" but she is still "nervous". Purvis added that Felicity "fear of failure bubbles up again" and "it's all negative" despite her attempts to change her views on the marriage. Cash reminds Felicity of how much Tane means to her and gifts her their father's old ute. The gift makes her realise that the positives out weight the negatives and she decides to go ahead with the wedding. She travels via the ute, unaware that Tex's associate has sabotaged the vehicle which forms the series finale cliffhanger. Felicity is pulled from the vehicle but Eden is hospitalised in a coma. The police discover that the brakes were cut on the car. Cash soon realises that Tex and the biker gang are responsible. Tane tries to support Felicity following the crash but she hides her trauma. Browne explained that Tane is in disbelief and "he wants to be strong for Felicity". She is in pain and upset about her wedding being ruined, begins drinking Scotch and pretends to be okay. Tane continued to feature in the biker gang plot, in February Cash becomes determined to get revenge against Tex. He breaks out of prison, holds Cash at gunpoint and Tane saves him. Of Tane's reasons for risking his own life, Browne explained "Tane needs to help out of necessity to save Cash." Tane soon tries to convince Felicity to plan another wedding. She begins to use alcohol to numb the trauma and Tane becomes concerned. He finds her drunk and creating a noise disturbance in their garden. Felicity retaliates by telling him she no longer wants to get married. Browne revealed that "Tane has become more protective of Flick after the crash, but it may end up dividing them." Writers used Felicity's erratic behaviour to drive the couple further apart and they have a serious argument. Tane reacts badly and begins to take his anger out on John. Tane suggests Felicity gets counselling and she threatens to move out. In another episode, Felicity drunkenly throws her wedding ring at Tane. A
Home and Away publicist told Alice Penwill (
Inside Soap) that Tane is "absolutely gutted" in the scenes and teased that he may no longer want to marry Felicity. Felicity abruptly flees Summer Bay and upon her return the duo reconcile. Felicity then proposes to Tane which leaves him shocked and unable to think clear. Purvis explained that Felicity finally gains clarity over her father's suicide and gets over her fear of commitment. They quickly plan their wedding and are soon married. Purvis explained that Tane and Felicity just want a simple wedding and to be married. The wedding featured as the main story during
Episode 8000. Writers created a traditional Māori wedding, a
kaikaranga is present who calls the wedding and introduces guests. Tane wears a traditional
Korowai cloak, which he wraps around Felicity to symbolise him protecting her.
Marriage breakdown In April 2023, producers introduced Tane's cousin,
Kahu Parata (
Jordi Webber), into the series. Kahu arrives unannounced and wants to move to Summer Bay. He asks Tane for a job at the gym and quickly installs himself as the new personal trainer despite having no qualifications. Kahu's presence also causes issues with Felicity, who is wary of his reasons for staying. Purvis explained that Felicity also wants to enjoy the honeymoon phase with Tane for longer and Kahu's arrival changes things. Webber told Cullen that Tane and Kahu "have always been close, as soon as they catch up again, they click and jive right where they left off." Kahu then reveals he has financial troubles. Tane is shocked when Kahu leaves and hires a boat using the gym's credit card. Tane goes to confront Kahu, who reveals a pattern of debts and irresponsibility he blames on his upbringing. Webber explained that everyone was welcoming to Kahu because "they could see how happy Tane was to have his cousin there." But following his lies "their perception changes" and Felicity is "livid" with Kahu. Producers created a sexual assault plot for Felicity wear she is drugged and attacked during a night out. The story affects her relationship with Tane. Tane initially blames himself for not being there to stop the attack. He also blames Felicity's friends for allowing her drink to be spiked. Cash vows to find the culprit and Tane struggles to understand Felicity's ordeal. Purvis explained that Felicity's "trauma is so severe" she behaves in ways "Tane doesn't understand". She struggles and does not want him to view her differently and "over-sexualises herself". She concluded "Tane knows it's not what's best for her, so is cautious, but it might push her away." Purvis revealed that writers chose to depict Felicity as over sexualising herself around Tane to show a lesser-known reaction to sexual assaults. Purvis learned that some victims behave this way with their partners during the research process. Their ordeal is worsened by the culprit blackmailing them. They demand $10000 to prevent them posting footage of the attack online. Tane asks Felicity to inform the police but she tries to fulfil the blackmailer's demands. Felicity arranges a trap to catch her attacker and he is arrested, but she does not inform Tane or Cash, which causes problems in their relationship. Purvis noted that Felicity is allowing trauma to impact her relationships "hugely" and "she's creating a lot of distance" with them. Writers decided to revisit the underlying issues they created in Tane and Felicity's relationship involving commitment. Tane returns from visiting home in New Zealand and asks Felicity to consider moving there with him. She is shocked by Tane's decision and she agrees. Browne told Cullen that both feel they can finally move on after Felicity's assault. He revealed that Tane realises he misses home and envisages himself and Felicity moving their and starting a family together. The show continued to explore the issue of having children. Tane gets drunk and confides to Cash that not having children is preventing him from true happiness. Felicity eventually agrees, Tane is delighted with her change of mind and fails to see her hesitation. Browne explained that "Tane is all for it, and Felicity is hesitant." He added that for Tane, it is "everything he could have asked for. He's just over the moon." Felicity continues to take her contraceptive pills, of which a show publicist warned would end their marriage. They described it as an ironic storyline because Felicity lies to protect her marriage, but the lies would also be its ruin. When Tane discovers Felicity has continued to take her contraception, he ends their marriage and moves out. He also cancels the land purchase in New Zealand. Felicity becomes determined to reconcile with Tane, who is adamant they are over. Browne revealed "Tane could potentially move back to NZ, but for now, he needs space and time." When the show returned in 2024, writers explored the aftermath of their break-up. Felicity remains determined to reconcile and Purvis revealed that it would take Felicity a long time to accept their marriage is over. She also accepts she is solely to blame for their marriage break-down. Tane tries to move on by kissing his friend,
Harper Matheson (Jessica Redmayne). Felicity overhears Harper and
Dana Matheson (Ally Harris) discussing the kiss. Tane is shocked when Felicity seems okay with him moving on and they kiss. Purvis noted Felicity still thinks Tane will come back to her and is willing to let him lead her on.
Abandoned baby case In February 2024, a new storyline began exploring Tane's need to be a father. He discovers an abandoned baby on the beach and takes her to hospital. Doctor
Bree Cameron (Juliet Godwin) gives the baby a medical check and contacts child services to find her parents. Tane does not leave and begins to bond with the baby. Mackenzie and
Mali Hudson (Kyle Schilling) become concerned about Tane's behaviour. Browne told Cullen that "Tane is shocked by what he's discovered but his protective instincts kick in and he endeavours to look after the baby until the parents are located." Browne revealed that Tane is "doing his best" to move on from Felicity and the "future is looking hopeful". Tane just "wants the best for this baby" and wants to find it a proper home. He concluded that "he can't help but feel responsible for her, as he found her." Tane is shocked by the newspapers claims and Browne defended his character, noting he just wants to protect Maia. The situation is worsened when Tane is confronted by a journalist and he hits. The journalist then reports Tane to the police, harming his chances of fostering. Rose takes an AVO out against Tane and he is shocked when a foster home is found for Maia. Dana agrees to let Tane say good-bye to Maia. Rose is shocked when Tane takes Maia from the hospital and runs away. Browne commented to Ellis (
TV Week) that "Tane feels failed by the system, he believes he is doing what's right for Maia, which is all that matters to him." Maia's mother then comes forwards, shocking Rose who cannot locate Tane. After a police manhunt is launched, Tane hands himself into police. Tane realises it would not end well and could now face prison time. Browne revealed "he's facing time in prison for sure" and he feels like he has failed Maia. Dana also upset for allowing Tane access to Maia. Harris told Ellis that Dana feels guilty but she could not have predicted Tane's actions. To prepare for his court trial, his lawyer, Marshall Aldrych (Nic English) arrives but he does not attend their appointment. Marshall meets Felicity and the pair have sex. Tane discovers the truth, confronts them and misses calls from Rose as part of his bail conditions. Purvis said that Felicity is "embarrassed" and Tane's pride is damaged. Rose arrests Tane which causes issues for their friendship. Marillier revealed her hopes that Tane and Rose would repair their "complicated relationship" which is formed from "friendship and care". Tane stands trial for his actions. Browne described Tane as acceptant that he will go to prison. He added, "he's accepted his fate" and knows "everything doesn't sit in his favour". Marshall comes up with a plan to tell the courts about Tane and Felicity's problematic relationship and how his need for children ruined the marriage. Tane is shocked by Marshall's plans, which help Tane's future. Browne revealed that Tane is not happy with Marshall or Felicity and feels they have pulled a "dirty move" on him. Stewart praised Browne and enjoyed working with him on the storyline. Stewart, who is also Māori, had known Browne for years and told Wade Sellers from
TV Week that Browne acted like a mentor to him, much like Tane does for Perri. Stewart added that Tane gives Perri martial arts training. A pregnancy storyline was created for Harper, with Tane being written as the biological father. Redmayne received negative comments from viewers on social media who warned her to stay away from Tane. Digital Spy's Sam Warner reported that the negativity came from fans of Tane and Felicity's relationship. Redmayne stated she was proud of her work and asked viewers to remember that she was just acting out a storyline. On-screen, Harper initially keeps her pregnancy a secret from Tane. Carl engineers a confrontation with Tane and tries to get him to react violently. Harper intervenes and tells Tane about the pregnancy to stop him fighting with Carl over Perri. Tane is initially shocked, gets drunk and later accepts the news. The storyline develops quickly with Tane offering his full support for Harper. She is apprehensive because his first reaction was to get drunk. In later scenes, he reiterates his commitment to Harper and their baby. Writers portrayed Tane as conflicted in his efforts to support both Perri and Harper. She asks Tane about his intensions and he pledges to support during her entire pregnancy. This causes tension between Tane and Perri. When Tane misses a meeting about Perri's court case against his father, Carl Hayes (Matthew Holmes), Perri feels let down. Tane is again conflicted when Harper is admitted to hospital with bleeding and fears she is losing the baby. Tane choses to support Harper at hospital and misses Perri's court appearance against Carl. Harper has an ultrasound and they are told the baby is healthy. Rose informs Tane that Carl was found not guilty of abusing Perri and Tane feels guilty for not supporting Perri. Writers began teasing elements of romance between Tane and Harper, starting with an accidental date arranged by Dana. Carl tries to drown Perri in a swimming pool but he fights back and kills Carl. Perri is charged with murder, despite him acting in self-defence. Ellis from
TV Week reported that Tane would continue to support Perri through his ordeal. Tane recalls how his friends helped him through his court case and wants the same for Perri. Tane and Harper support Perri through his court case and a new witness comes forward to save Perri. Stewart told Ellis that "Perri is fortunate to have Tane by his side - he's like an older brother or father figure, he's the only person in his life who demonstrates real love, which is something foreign to him." ==Reception==